VC student accused of starting fire

Posted 1/22/25

Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler and Town of Montgomery Police Chief John Hank announced an arrest in connection with fires started at Valley Central High School on January 9. Because …

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VC student accused of starting fire

Posted

Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler and Town of Montgomery Police Chief John Hank announced an arrest in connection with fires started at Valley Central High School on January 9. Because of the age of the juvenile offender charged, no further information about the juvenile can be released.

As alleged in charges filed in court, on January 9, at approximately 12:30 p.m., the juvenile started two separate fires in two bathrooms on the second floor of the school, while classes were in session and when over 1,300 students were present in the building. Another student was present in one of the restroom stalls when one of the fires was started. As a result, there was fire damage and charring to the bathroom. No one was injured.

A prompt investigation was conducted by the Town of Montgomery Police Department, together with members of Hudson Valley Arson & Explosives Task Force (including two Orange County District Attorney’s Office Investigators) and the Montgomery Fire Department. Those agencies were also assisted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives - Hudson Valley Field Office, Orange County District Attorney’s Office, and the Orange County Fire Investigation Unit.