Two Teens Arrested In Connection With Millbrae Community Center Fire
MILLBRAE (CBS SF) -- Police have arrested two juvenile males in connection with the massive four-alarm fire that destroyed the Millbrae Community Center last week, authorities announced on Monday.
Officials announced at a Monday afternoon briefing that the two boys, ages 16 and 17, were arrested Friday for allegedly setting the fire.
The fire was reported at 3:52 a.m. early Thursday morning at the community center located at 477 Lincoln Circle. Flames tore through the building, eventually causing parts of the roof to collapse.
By late that morning, fire investigators had announced that the fire was suspicious in nature.
Authorities said how and where the fire started raised the specter that it was intentionally set.
"We think it started from the exterior to the interior. It's hard to start that naturally," said Kammeyer. "So that's why we're focusing it on being suspicious."
The fire was under control by about 8:15 a.m., Kammeyer said.
Authorities announced the arrest of the two juveniles in the case Monday morning.
"I am thankful for the hard work and diligence of fire investigators at Central County Fire and detectives at the San Mateo County Sheriff's Department," said Millbrae Mayor Anne Oliva. "At this time, two juvenile males have been arrested in connection with the Community Center fire last week. At this time, I ask that we hold back judgement until all the details and evidence emerge."
The cost of the damage was estimated to be up to $2 million.
The federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives was called in to assist with the investigation, which led to the two juveniles Friday afternoon, sheriff's spokesman Detective Sal Zuno said at the Monday news conference.
Zuno said the boys confessed to starting the fire but said investigators at this point believe the blaze was "due to negligence and was not intentional."
He said investigators got "important" information from the public, as well as social media, that led to the arrests. Neither boy has any prior criminal history, Zuno said.
Oliva said children in a summer camp that was being held at the center have been relocated to nearby Taylor Middle School, and the city is working on plans for what to do with other programs held there.
"We're going to get through this," Oliva said.
Anyone with information about the fire is encouraged to call sheriff's Detective Pat Carey at (650) 259-2321 or email pcarey@smcgov.org. People wishing to remain anonymous can call a tip line at (800) 547-2700.
