A 16-year-old boy has been charged with arson for lighting a small paper fire inside a bathroom stall at Rich Central High School in Olympia Fields
The boy, a student at the school, 3600 203rd St., started the fire Wednesday morning in a second-story hallway bathroom, police said.
Although the blaze caused only minor damage, smoke inside the building led officials to cancel classes for the day.
The boy was arrested after the incident and charged later that day, police said. After his arrest, he was released to his parents. A court hearing has yet to be scheduled.
“It was something he shouldn’t have done, and it got out of control,” Olympia Fields police Detective Mark Akiyama said.
Rich Central Principal Maceo Rainey said the boy has been suspended and is scheduled to have a hearing before district administrators.
After the hearing, the administrators will recommend a punishment to the Rich Township High School District 227 board. The board later will rule on the recommendation.
“We’re holding him accountable for acts that could have endangered the lives and safety of students and staff members,” Rainey said, adding he did not know why the student set the fire. “It’s an expectation that all our students are courteous, respectful and safe at all times.”
The Matteson Fire Department responded to the blaze about 7 a.m., fire officials said. Using two fire extinguishers – one from the school and one from a fire engine – firefighters put out the flames within 10 minutes. The Flossmoor Fire Department also showed up at the scene.
Fire officials estimate fewer than 50 people were inside the building when the fire was started, and all were escorted outside as soon as the fire alarm went off.
Distributed via Chicago Press Release Services