Teenager Charged With Setting Multiple Fires In Lakeland

LAKELAND, FL — A 17-year-old Lakeland boy has been accused of setting multiple fires across the south Lakeland area, according to police.

The teenager was charged with one count of felony second degree arson. Patch is withholding the boy's name because of his age.

"The charge is specifically tied to one of the incidents where [the boy] admitted to setting fire to five lawn chairs that were inside the rear bed area of a pick-up truck," Lakeland police said in announcing the arrest on Thursday. "While in custody, [the teen] also admitted to having a role in incidents at Dobbins Park where two additional fires occurred."

Lakeland police said the investigation started on June 12 following a series of seven fires in trash recycling containers at the Dixieland and South Lake Morton neighborhoods.

"On June 28, 2019, the Lakeland Police Department was once again called to multiple south Lakeland locations where trash recycling containers and a construction dumpster were set on fire," police said.

"During the same time frame, five lawn chairs were set ablaze inside the rear bed area of a pick-up truck that was parked in a residential driveway," police explained. "On June 29, 2019, Lakeland Police Officers responded to Dobbins Park, 514 Ariana Street, in reference to a playground slide that was set on fire. A short time later, it was also discovered that a trash can inside the restroom facility at the park had been set on fire."

State fire investigators are working with the Lakeland Police Department to review the evidence from the fires. Additional charges may be filed in the future.