Juveniles Arrested in Port-O-Potty Arsons

The following release was submitted by Royersford Police Chief Kevin Schurr:

Between February 3, 2012 and May 11, 2012, , , and Upper Providence Township Police Department, responded to a series of suspicious FIRES located with in the Royersford section of Limerick Township, the Royersford section of Upper Providence Township and within the Borough of Royersford, Montgomery County. All of these fires were determined have been incendiary fires. That is, they were set by human hands.  A total of (5) five fires have been investigated. 

On Friday, February 3, 2012 at 1820 hours, the Royersford Fire Company was dispatched to Coach McNelly Stadium, for an unknown type fire. The fire was found to be a fully involved fire of a Port a John. The fire burned the completely to the ground.  The fire also spread to a second Port a John and caused additional damage. Royersford Fire Officers examined the scene, and determined that this was an incendiary fire.  Investigation indicated that an unknown person(s) intentional set a roll of toilet paper on fire with some type of incendiary device.  The VICTIM – Spring – Ford School District, reports a $1177.50 loss for the fire; which damaged a chain linked fence and blacktop driveway.  The Port a Johns were located within a fence enclosed football stadium that is off limits to student and the general public except for school related activities and events.

On Friday, February 10, 2012 at 1818 hours, the Royersford Fire Company again was dispatched to Coach McNelly Stadium, for an unknown type fire. The fire was found to be a fully involved fire of a Port a John. The fire burned the Port a John completely to the ground. Royersford Fire Officers examined the scene, and determined that this was an incendiary fire.  The VICTIM – Spring – Ford School District, reports a $1265.00 loss for the fire.

On Friday, April 13, 2012 at 21:10 hours, the Royersford Fire Department was dispatched to 250 2nd Avenue Royersford Borough, for a field fire. Fire Officers examined the scene, and determined that this was an . The fire burnt a section of the eastside of the Park. The spread to a chain linked fence, causing significant damage. The VICTIM – Royersford Borough, reported a $875.00 lose due to the fire.

On Saturday, April 14, 2012, the Royersford Fire Department was dispatched to a field fire behind the Spring-Ford , Upper Providence Township. Fire Officers examined the scene, and determined that this was an incendiary fire. The fire consumed a pile of leaves and fallen trees. 

On May 11, 2012 at 20:42 Royersford Fire Department was dispatched to Victory Park 250 2nd Avenue Royersford Borough for a structure fire. The fire was found to be a fully involved fore of a Port a John. The fire burned the Port a John completely to the ground. Fire Officers examined the scene, and determined that this was an incendiary fire.  The VICTIM – Royersford Borough, reported a $600.00 lose due to the fire.

During the investigation, Criminal Investigator Officer John O’KEEFE of the Royersford Police Department, Detective Ernie M. MORRIS of the Limerick Police Department, Detective Raymond BeCHTEL of the Upper Providence Township Police Department, conducted several interviews of individuals related in some form to the fires.

The investigations lead to the arrest of three juveniles, who reside in the Royersford Area.

• 13 year old male
• 14 year old male
• 15 year old male