Children connected to multiple arsons, Lincoln Police say

LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) - Lincoln police say two young boys are connected to a string of arsons reported over the last month and a half.

Officers interviewed a 9-year-old and a 12-year-old on Monday, along with their parents, after investigators linked them to three separate fires.

The first happened back on March 27, just after 6:45 p.m., near South 21st and E streets. Lincoln Fire and Rescue determined a swing set fire was intentionally set, causing nearly $6,000 in damage to the swing set and two nearby homes.

Then on May 3, around 9:30 p.m., officers responded to Lincoln High School after trash cans were set on fire. Police say surveillance video from both scenes showed two boys starting the fires and then riding off on bikes.

During interviews this week, investigators were also able to connect the boys to a third arson outside an apartment near South 20th and Randolph streets.

Police say the boys were released to their parents and are facing charges for two counts of first-degree arson and one count of third-degree arson. The investigation is still ongoing.