ROCKLAND — Two juveniles were charged with felony arson after a citizen reported chasing them away from a neighbor’s house they were allegedly attempting to set on fire, police said.
The incident occurred around 7 p.m. on May 9, when Rockland Police responded to the reported arson attempt.
The homeowner identified one of the juveniles, who was known to both the resident and law enforcement.
Officers quickly located and detained both juvenile suspects.
The Rockland Fire Department, investigators from the State Fire Marshal’s Office, and detectives from the Rockland Police Department assisted with the investigation.
Following coordination with the State Fire Marshal’s Office, Juvenile Community Corrections Officer, and Juvenile Assistant District Attorney, both juveniles were charged with felony arson.
Authorities said the incident was targeted and not believed to be random.
The older juvenile, who has prior law enforcement involvement, was transported to Long Creek Youth Development Center.
The younger juvenile cooperated with investigators, received a court summons, and was released to mental health providers.
