The fire at Bethlehem High School was intentional

BETHLEHEM, NY (NEWS10) – A 16-year-old has been arrested in connection with the April 23 fire at Bethlehem High School that forced students to evacuate. NEWS10 spoke with law enforcement, parents and their children to learn more about what happened and what’s next for the arrested teen.

“The alarm rings and we rush out of the building. We didn’t know what was going on. We thought it was a drill or something,” 11 said^Th Klässler, Romero Ambria.

Investigators now believe that the fire was started intentionally. “As officers and firefighters began lowering the ceiling, they were able to determine that an intentional fire had been set,” Bethlehem Police Department Deputy Chief James Rexford said.

According to police, the student is accused of starting a fire in the bathroom, which is why the C wing of the building had to be evacuated immediately. Originally it was said that it was a faulty vent fan, but it has since been determined that it was a case of arson. “If someone had died it would have been a different story. But everyone was safe. He did something stupid, but it didn’t have too many consequences,” Romero said.

When he spoke to Romero’s father, he said he wanted to know more about what happened. “I hope that we get a better explanation, especially from the school, about what exactly happened and I hope that they take steps to make sure something like this doesn’t happen again,” said his father, Daniel Ambria.

However, father and son think alike when it comes to the future of the child who started the fire. “We’re just kids, you know, we’re kind of stupid. So when we do stupid things that we don’t like, we hold ourselves accountable in the future,” Romero said. His father followed suit, saying: “I don’t think they should be punished to the full extent of the law, but I certainly think steps need to be taken.”

The suspect was arraigned and placed under the supervision of the Albany County Probation Department. Rexford said: “We arrested a 16-year-old youth who was a Bethlehem student. He was transported to Albany County Family Court for arraignment.”

The teen faces multiple charges: first-degree arson, first-degree reckless endangerment, second-degree criminal assault, all three counts. And endangering the well-being of a child.

Attorney Eric Schillinger said the teenager faces a maximum of two years in a juvenile detention center, alternatively a suspended sentence or even community service.

A letter sent from districts to parents at home said they also conduct a district investigation when an allegation of this nature is made. Any student found to have endangered the safety of the school community will be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the District Code of Conduct.”