BOONE, Iowa—Boone Police have charged three-juveniles with arson as a result of their investigation into a fire in late November that damaged several buses.  A press release was issued Thursday.  Commander John Sloter in the release said that on November 20, 2019 at approximately 8:43 p.m., the Boone Fire Department and the Boone Police Department were dispatched to the 1500 block of 8th Street in reference to a fire. The Boone County Sheriff’s Office and Boone County Ambulance also responded.

On scene, officers found multiple HIRTA buses on fire. In all, nine HIRTA buses were either partially or completely destroyed. The fire was determined to be suspicious in nature and the Boone Police Department, in cooperation with the Boone Fire Department, began an investigation.

The investigation revealed that the cause of the fire was intentional and three juvenile suspects were
identified. The juveniles were identified as:

1. Juvenile male age 14 of Boone.
Charges: 2nd Degree Arson
2nd Degree Criminal Mischief

2. Juvenile male age 11 of Boone.
Charge: 1st Degree Trespass

3. Juvenile male age 14 of Boone.
Charges: 2nd Degree Arson
2nd Degree Criminal Mischief

All juveniles were issued Referrals to Juvenile Court and released to a responsible adult.

Sloter noted that this incident was related to a Criminal Mischief at the same location which happened earlier in the same week. That incident is also considered cleared by arrest.

Sloter says an arrest or the filing of charges is not an indication of guilt