Four juveniles are in custody and charges are expected to be filed in connection to the early morning fire at Banner School and break in at Cotteral Elementary.
Guthrie Fire Chief Eric Harlow says the juveniles are linked to both crimes that occurred on Friday morning and is expected to face both second degree arson and burglary charges.
Fire crews were called out to the old school building, now privately owned, just before 4 a.m. It has been confirmed the fire in the 79-year-old building was started at the northwest corner of the building. Related story: Banner School destroyed by early morning fire
Majority of the building was torn down so that firefighters could reach the middle of the building and put out the remainder of the fire that was burning after the roof had caved in.
Minutes after the fire call, Guthrie police were dispatched to Cotteral Elementary for a break in and vandalism. Related story: Employee finds Cotteral school vandalized
Superintendent Dr. Mike Simpson says there was approximately $2,400 worth of damages.
Due to their ages, the names of the juveniles are not being released. Also, it is unknown why the juveniles committed the crime, but was described by officials as “malicious”.
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