(KNSI) – The student suspected of starting a fire at Westwood Elementary School has been identified as a nine-year-old boy.
Under Minnesota’s Juvenile Court Act, a child under the age of 10 cannot be prosecuted for a criminal offense in juvenile court. The St. Cloud Police Department has forwarded the investigation to the Stearns County Attorney’s office for review and consideration of alternative courses of action.
Police say the fire, reported March 31st just before 9:00 a.m., was started by the student in a bathroom. The blaze forced the evacuation of all 550 students and, according to the superintendent, caused an estimated $3,000,000 in damage and cleanup.
Widespread smoke damage has kept the building closed since the incident. It is expected to reopen on Monday, April 13th.
Community organizations have stepped up to support families during the closure, and students have been learning remotely.
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