LOS ANGELES, CA – Two teenagers have been arrested in connection with a series of fires set at a middle school in Orange County late last year, authorities announced Thursday.
According to the Huntington Beach Police Department, the suspects broke into the school on at least two occasions, in October and December 2024, while the campus was closed. Once inside, they set fire to multiple items, causing thousands of dollars in damage. Police did not specify what was burned or whether classrooms or other facilities were affected.
The investigation was led by a school resource officer working alongside the department’s Detectives Bureau. After reviewing evidence and conducting interviews, authorities identified the suspects as local high school students. Their names were not released due to their age, and officials did not disclose which high school they attended.
Following their arrests, both teens were booked into Orange County Juvenile Hall on arson charges. Police warned that arson is a serious offense that can carry significant legal consequences, including jail time, financial restitution, and the possibility of being required to register as an arsonist for life.
“Arson poses a significant risk to life and property, and persons convicted of the crime can face substantial penalties,” the Huntington Beach Police Department said in a statement.
Authorities have not provided a potential motive for the fires, and it remains unclear whether the school was specifically targeted or if the fires were set at random. No injuries were reported as a result of the incidents.
Officials did not disclose the name of the middle school where the break-ins occurred. It is also unknown whether the suspects acted alone or if additional individuals were involved. The investigation remains ongoing, and police have urged anyone with information to come forward.
