16 year old Arrested on Arson Charge, Jan. 22

On 01/19/2014, at approximately 1:57 p.m., Newport Police Officers responded to Walgreens regarding a fire that was set in a trash can. Witnesses provided Dispatch with a description of the suspect. Officers began checking the area for the suspect, who had fled the area on foot. Newport Police Officers located a juvenile mal, matching the description of the suspect, in the area of Walgreens. The investigation revealed that the 16 year-old male suspect, a Newport resident, entered the men’s public restroom in Walgreens. He started a fire in the garbage can, then left the store a short time later. An employee entered the restroom after the suspect and found the trash can on fire. The employee was able to extinguish the fire with a portable fire extinguisher. The damage from the fire was isolated to the trash can. The 16 year-old male suspect was taken into custody and lodged at the Lincoln County Juvenile Detention Center on charges of Arson 2nd Degree (Class C Felony), Criminal Mischief 2nd Degree (Class A Misdemeanor), and Disorderly Conduct (Class B Misdemeanor). Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact Officer Steven Hallmark at 541-574-3348.