Juveniles Charged in Parkview Arson
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Updated: 11:13 PM Jun 15, 2009
Juveniles Charged in Parkview Arson
Meridian, Miss.
Arrests have been made for vandalism and arson at Parkview Elementary School in Meridian.
Posted: 4:27 PM Jun 15, 2009
Reporter: Andrea Williams
Email Address: andrea.williams@wtok.com
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Arrests have been made for vandalism and arson that happened Friday at Parkview Elementary School in Meridian.

Charred books, desks and office materials were still strewn on the property Monday.

At least two juveniles have been taken into custody, and investigators say more arrests are expected.

"We are already in the process of contacting their parents to have the juveniles brought in," said Capt. James Sharpe of the Meridian Police Department. "So, I do expect more arrests in this."

Sharpe the two currently in custody are ages 11 and 13. He says both attended either Parkview or nearby Magnolia Middle School. He said the other suspects range between the ages of 9 and 14, and attend or have attended one of the two schools.

The fire Friday was the last of a string of vandalism at Parkview. Within the seven days leading up to the fire, Parkview and Magnolia had been vandalized or burglarized at least four times.

According to investigators, at this point, it does not appear that the vandalism or burglaries were gang-related.

"In their words, they were just being stupid," said Sharpe. "They had nothing else to do and that's why they decided to do this."

Investigators say the Parkview damage is estimated to be well over $50,000. With all of the vandalism at the two schools thought to be related, officers say the suspects will likely face charges for felony vandalism, burglary and arson. Their cases will be handled in youth court.


Latest Comments

Posted by: Right On! Location: Meridian on Jun 18, 2009 at 12:33 PM

You said it Disgusted!! People need to take personal responsibility for themselves, their children, and their financial situations. It's amazing what direct correlations can be found between juvenile delinquents and their parents'/guardians' "ride the system" attitudes. Want some change in our city? Get rid of the welfare "gimme" attitude and make people WORK! And don't give me the BS of there aren't any jobs. How about go get a GRANT (they give them away to the underprivileged all the time) and go to college?! Some CHOOSE to sit on their rumps and collect a check- all the while bemoaning the crime, etc in their areas. Parents should teach their children to respect authority- be it teachers, police officers, or adults in general. Most of the discipline problems are because the kids know there are no consequences for their actions. As for the arson- where were these kids' parents?! MAYBE they were working, but don't they have relatives that could watch the kids?! That's what I do...
Posted by: Disgusted on Jun 18, 2009 at 08:19 AM

Everyone who is screaming about police protection, staking out the schools, picking up kids for curfew violations, etc. needs to DEMAND from our city leaders MORE police. Instead of spending millions for fru-fru projects, put that money into police resources and manpower, and pay them like your life depends on it! Same for teachers! These are two of the lowest-paid professions, and they are shaping the minds of our future leaders and protecting our lives and property. Teachers being mean? Whatever!! They aren't allowed to discipline these little punks because their sitting-at-home-getting-a-check parent will sue the school system to try and get MORE free money. Untie the hands of our teachers and police and let them do their jobs!!
Posted by: bb Location: mdn on Jun 17, 2009 at 09:37 PM

You should know the parents will not ever to be able to pay $50,000. Neither will the kids, Taxpayers pay... and then they will pay even more cause more trouble will follow until the parents are held to the strictest accountability. If your kid gets picked up for Curfew you are fined... I see kids out all of the time why not pick them up..