Two juveniles facing arson charges in relation to fire at Vinton park

May. 23, 2022 3:05 pm

A park in Vinton will cost over $200,000 to rebuild after it was burnt down in an apparent act of arson Saturday. (Vinton Parks and Recreation Department on Facebook)

VINTON — Two Vinton juveniles are facing arson charges in relation to a fire at a town park that caused more than $200,000 worth of damage.

The fire department responded to Riverside Park just before 3 a.m. May 14. A parks and recreation vehicle, the playground equipment at the park and a nearby trampoline were all a complete loss, according to a news release from the police department.

There also were several smaller fires along a path through residential neighborhoods from Riverside Park to around the 1000 block of B Avenue and A Avenue, according to the release.

Vinton firefighters and police officers found and extinguished most of the fires. Things found burned or burning included grass, trees, bushes, flower beds, porches, lattice on a house, vehicle tires and vehicles. Police also discovered graffiti painted on a building, a house and multiple vehicles.

“We are very fortunate that no houses or lives were lost,” the release states.

The two male juveniles, whose names have not been released, were transported to Central Iowa Juvenile Detention Center in Eldora. They are each charged with one count of first-degree arson, two counts of second-degree arson, three counts of third-degree arson, three counts of reckless use of fire or explosives, two counts of first-degree criminal mischief and five counts of fifth-degree criminal mischief.

The fires are still under investigation and additional charges are pending, according to the release.

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