BAILEYVILLE, Maine — A 17-year-old boy was arrested Aug. 28 in connection with three fires in Baileyville, according to state fire officials.
The teenager, who is from Indian Township, is charged with arson, criminal threatening and aggravated criminal mischief, Steve McCausland, spokesman for the Maine Department of Public Safety, said in a press release issued Friday.
Because of his age, the boy’s name is not being made public until he appears in court, McCausland said. The teen is scheduled to make his first court appearance next week.
A vacant two-bay garage and a vacant storage building on Mill Street, both owned by Woodland Pulp and Paper Co., were heavily damaged by fire Aug. 25. In addition, an area resident reported the same night the teen allegedly stole mail and then set it on fire alongside the road, according to Friday’s release.
When investigators from the state fire marshal’s office and Indian Township police approached the teen on his bicycle in Indian Township Aug. 28, he ran off into the woods and then threatened them with a knife, authorities reported.
Police drew their guns and the boy dropped the knife. The teen was taken into custody after a struggle with the officers and was transported to the Charleston Correctional Facility, where he continues to be held, according to McCausland.