Scio Teen Arrested for Starting Fire Inside Grocery Store
Deputies are currently investigating another arson fire that occurred at the former West Scio Tavern on September 3.
(SCIO, Ore. ) — Linn County Sheriff’s Deputies have arrested a 14-year-old from Scio, Oregon after he was caught on a security camera trying to start a fire inside a local grocery store.
Linn County Sheriff Brue Riley says on June 15, the owner of the Scio Thriftway reported to deputies that their store security camera caught a male juvenile removing matches from a shelf. The video reveals he lit the matches and threw them on a bag of briquettes, which then caught fire.
On a shelf above the fire were small propane tanks, cans, and bottles of lighter fluid. Minimal damage occurred because as soon as the fire was discovered, store employees immediately put it out, Riley said.
Deputies had limited suspect information, but with photos from the surveillance video and the assistance of the staff at Scio Middle School, deputies were able to identify a suspect.
On Friday, the juvenile was arrested and lodged at the Linn-Benton Detention Center.
Deputies are currently investigating another arson fire that occurred at the former West Scio Tavern on September 3.
These investigations are ongoing and deputies are working in conjunction with the Oregon State Police and the Oregon State Fire Marshal's Office.
Anyone with any information about these fires, are encouraged to contact Detective Scott Christensen at the Linn County Sheriff's Office, 541-967-3950.
