12-Year-Old Charged With Arson In School Bus Fire
CHESTERTOWN, Md. (AP) -- A 12-year-old boy has been charged with arson after a fire was sparked on a school bus by a loaded flare gun in his bag.
The Star Democrat of Easton reports that the boy was charged with arson, malicious burning and other offenses in the March 5 fire on a bus in Chestertown. He has been referred to the Department of Juvenile Services and released to his mother.
Fire officials say the boy had a loaded flare gun in his bag, which went off on the bus. The driver and 28 students were able to get off the bus, but seven children were treated at a hospital for smoke inhalation.
Officials say the fire destroyed the bus with an estimated $45,000 in damage.
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
