Deputies charge preteens with arson

Staff Writer

EASLEY - Two youths have been charged with arson

following a Sunday blaze in the Crosswell Fire District.

A 10-year-old white male and an 11-year-old black male -

names withheld - both face charges of second degree arson,

second degree burglary and malicious damage to real property,

according to warrants.

Pickens County Sheriff's deputies arrested the preteens and

released them into the custody of their parents, said Easley Fire

Chief Butch Womack.

The next step for the boys will be determined by a family

court hearing, according to a PCSO release.

Detective Division Lt. J.B. Kelley investigated the fire along

with the EFD's Cause and Origin Team.

At about 1:45 p.m., firefighters responded to a call about a

house fire on Elmwood Street in the Forest Park subdivision.

Upon arrival, heavy smoke was visible from the house.

"The fire was contained in the living room and kitchen area

of the structure," said Capt. Barry Bridges in a release. "The home

suffered smoke and water damage throughout the structure."

The house was vacant but had been undergoing renovations,

Womack said.

According to the incident report, the boys had entered the

home at other times "by breaking a window pane" and used the

homeowner's paint to write graffiti on the walls and committed

"vandalism throughout the residence."

No injuries were reported from the fire, according to

officials.

Reach Ginny Johnson at 855-0355 or gjohnson@theeasleyprogress.com.