Watsonville Elementary School Arson Suspect Arrested

WATSONVILLE, CA — An observant tipster recognized a suspect in an arson at an elementary school from a photo distributed by police in Watsonville Thursday afternoon and the suspect was promptly arrested, police said.

The suspect was one of two people who allegedly set a fire in the garden area of a local elementary school on Aug. 27. According to police, firefighters responded to Starlight Elementary School at 225 Hammer Drive for a fire that was threatening the building. Police said the fire was quickly extinguished and the structure was
not damaged.

Fire investigators determined the fire was set intentionally and contacted Watsonville police, who accessed the school's security camera system through the Pajaro Valley Unified School District.

After reviewing the tape, police spotted a two teens, a male and female, walking through the gated area of the school towards the area of the fire. Police said the pair was then seen running out of the school grounds
through another exit and smoke coming from the area they were running from.

Police distributed a photo of one of the suspects earlier today. A tipster saw the post on social media and reported that the suspect was in the area of the Round Table Pizza at 1975 Main St. The 16-year-old boy was arrested a short time later. The other suspect is still at large.

Watsonville police are asking anyone with information on this case to contact the investigation division at (831) 768-3350. Those wishing to leave anonymous tips can call (831) 768-3544.

By Bay City News

Photo courtesy Watsonville Police Department