ROCKLAND — The juvenile crime spree in the city continued this week with police responding to two nights of trash cans being set on fire downtown.
In the end, one juvenile was charged with Class A arson, trespassing and disorderly conduct. The on-call Juvenile Community Corrections Officer was notified and authorized the juvenile being taken to Long Creek Youth Development Center in South Portland.
The investigation is ongoing with additional charges possible.
The charge stems from an incident at 11 p.m. Monday, Feb. 20 when Rockland Police responded to an alarm at the Farnsworth Art Museum. Rockland Police, along with other area law enforcement responded. The officers located a group of juveniles who attempted to flee from them. Officers also located a trash can on fire in the area of the Farnsworth. Officers were able to locate and detain the juveniles, during which at least one was yelling profanities at the officers.
The Office of the Maine State Fire Marshal was contacted due to the nature of the investigation. That led to one juvenile being charged.
On Sunday, Feb. 19, around 10 p.m. Rockland Police Officers on patrol observed smoke coming from a public trash can on Main Street. Rockland Police, along with the Rockland Fire Department, quickly extinguished the fire.
Rockland Police located several juveniles in the area. The case is currently under investigation by the Rockland Police Department and Office of the Maine State Fire Marshal. Criminal charges are pending.
Rockland Police Department thanked the Thomaston Police Department, Knox County Sheriff’s Office and Office of the State Fire Marshal for their assistance.
