16-Year-Old Sets Fire To School In Capital Region, Police Say

Classes were in session when a 16-year-old allegedly set fire to a high school in the region.

The Albany County incident happened Tuesday, April 23, at Bethlehem High School.

According to Bethlehem Police, the juvenile suspect intentionally started a fire in a school bathroom in the C wing.

No students or staff were injured, but the incident forced an evacuation of the building that lasted nearly an hour.

The alleged culprit is a student at the school, according to Superintendent Jody Monroe, who said the district is cooperating with police and is conducting its own investigation.

"I want to assure all families that any instance of alleged violence or threats made against a school in the Bethlehem Central School District will be investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," Monroe said in a letter to parents .

"Any student found to have threatened the school community’s safety will be subject to discipline according to the district’s Code of Conduct."

The 16-year-old was arrested Monday, May 6, on suspicion of the following:

• Arson (felony)
• Criminal mischief (felony)
• Endangering the welfare of a child (misdemeanor)

They were arraigned in Albany County Family Court and released to the supervision of Albany County Probation.