Wednesday, January 20th, 2010

Police link youths to fire

Two questioned over damage to Grand Slam

By Margie Wuebker

Two juveniles between the ages of 8 and 15 have been identified as suspects in Monday's fire that lightly damaged the former Grand Slam USA Family Fun Center in Celina

Celina Police Chief Dave Slusser announced today the suspects were located Monday after officers canvassed the nearby Meadowview Apartments complex. Reports have been given to the Mercer County Prosecutor's Office for review and possible charges.

Local firefighters responded to the corner of Grand Lake Road and Wayne Street shortly after 5 p.m. Monday when an unidentified person at the nearby Eastown Shell Station called 911 after spotting light smoke and an orange glow at the vacant building. Four "incendiary" fires had been set inside the structure.

Upon investigation, police determined the point of entry to be a window at the northeast corner of the structure. Witnesses at the scene reported seeing three youths running from the north side of the building.
The department's K9 unit tracked the suspects from the fire scene to the apartment complex located three blocks to the north.

Physical evidence and witness statements connected the suspects to the fire, according to Slusser.

The investigation is ongoing. Police encourage anyone who witnessed suspicious activity in the area of Grand Slam Monday afternoon to call them at 419-586-2345.

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