Student charged with arson for GIS fires
A 10-year-old juvenile has been charged with aggravated arson for allegedly setting fires in
two different restrooms at Glenwood Intermediate School the morning of April 16.
The student was released to the custody of his parents, Chatham Police Chief Roy Barnett
confirmed. The state fire marshal's office is investigating the incident, and the matter will be
handled through the juvenile court system, Barnett added.
Ball-Chatham Super-intendent Bob Gillum stated the student has been suspended from
school indefinitely, pending further discipline. Gillum said the potential for expulsion exists. He
also confirmed that the suspect is a 10-year-old male and was a student at GIS.
The incident occurred around 8:30 a.m. on April 16, with two separate fires being set in two
restrooms in the fourth grade wing at GIS. The entire building was evacuated once smoke was
discovered, Gillum stated.
The fires were set using a lighter, candle and rolls of toilet paper, with the damage limited to
scorching of wall panels and toilet dispensers. The fires were put out by a janitor at the school
who used a fire extinguisher, Gillum confirmed, before authorities from the Chatham Police and
Fire Departments arrived on scene. The janitor was treated for smoke inhalation, Barnett
stated.
"All of the students and staff were evacuated in a timely fashion," Gillum explained. "Our staff
did everything by the book to ensure student safety. This was symbolic of why we have drills
and practice runs."
Officers from the Chatham PD and firefighters from the Chatham Fire Dept. remained on
scene for several hours, along with an arson investigator.
Students and staff remained outside the building for 30-45 minutes before being allowed
back inside, with fifth grade classes resuming as normal. The fourth grade wing remained
shut off for some time as investigators surveyed the damage.
Gillum added that the school district has decided to prosecute, stating, "we need to take
these scenarios seriously."
A 10-year-old juvenile has been charged with aggravated arson for allegedly setting fires in
two different restrooms at Glenwood Intermediate School the morning of April 16.
The student was released to the custody of his parents, Chatham Police Chief Roy Barnett
confirmed. The state fire marshal's office is investigating the incident, and the matter will be
handled through the juvenile court system, Barnett added.
Ball-Chatham Super-intendent Bob Gillum stated the student has been suspended from
school indefinitely, pending further discipline. Gillum said the potential for expulsion exists. He
also confirmed that the suspect is a 10-year-old male and was a student at GIS.
The incident occurred around 8:30 a.m. on April 16, with two separate fires being set in two
restrooms in the fourth grade wing at GIS. The entire building was evacuated once smoke was
discovered, Gillum stated.
The fires were set using a lighter, candle and rolls of toilet paper, with the damage limited to
scorching of wall panels and toilet dispensers. The fires were put out by a janitor at the school
who used a fire extinguisher, Gillum confirmed, before authorities from the Chatham Police and
Fire Departments arrived on scene. The janitor was treated for smoke inhalation, Barnett
stated.
"All of the students and staff were evacuated in a timely fashion," Gillum explained. "Our staff
did everything by the book to ensure student safety. This was symbolic of why we have drills
and practice runs."
Officers from the Chatham PD and firefighters from the Chatham Fire Dept. remained on
scene for several hours, along with an arson investigator.
Students and staff remained outside the building for 30-45 minutes before being allowed
back inside, with fifth grade classes resuming as normal. The fourth grade wing remained
shut off for some time as investigators surveyed the damage.
Gillum added that the school district has decided to prosecute, stating, "we need to take
these scenarios seriously."
Chatham Clarion
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Issue Date: April 24, 2008