13-year-olds charged with arson on bus

Friday, Nov. 27, 2009

Two 13-year-old students were charged with using a cigarette lighter to set a small fire on a Charles County school bus in Waldorf Nov. 9, according to a report by the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

No one was injured in the fire on the moving school bus, which was occupied by several children, but the blaze caused about $100 in damage. The bus driver discovered the fire and notified authorities. The two teens were charged with reckless endangerment and second-degree malicious burning, stated the report. They were released to the custody of their parents, and the case has been forwarded to the Department of Juvenile Services, according to fire marshals.

According to Katie O'Malley-Simpson, spokeswoman for the school system, the school has also disciplined the boys.

O'Malley-Simpson said the boys used a lighter to light a paper candy stick and a piece of tape.