Four minors detained for setting playground structure on fire at Sinsheimer Park Baseball Stadium

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. -

SLO police received several calls of what people thought were fireworks being set off here at the park.
Turns out it wasn’t fireworks at all but instead a fire that had gotten out of hand.
Luckily the police caught the kids who set it and put it out be more damage was done.

The fire was started by four juveniles between the ages of 14 and 16.
They lit cardboards on fire and suddenly the playground jungle gym was in flames.

“I think it's sad when it destroys the playground for the kids that do use it,” said parent Erin Hellar.

Two of the offenders were immediately caught by police, the others escaped on foot but were later caught by authorities.

“Maybe they could get a little more security around here to keep the kids from starting fires, and it will be a little safer,” said parent Nick Samson.

The fire did extensive damage to the jungle gym.

“It was fully engulfed the top portion of the structure. Luckily it was contained. None of the park or any surrounding structures were damaged,” said Sergeant Bryan Treanor of the SLO Police Department.

The four juveniles now face serious criminal charges.

“The charge is going to be arson and it's a felony,” said Sergeant Treanor.

The charge could carry a maximum of 2 to 6 years in jail.

“It seems like the sentencing is pretty harsh for those kids, I would hope it's a teachable moment. Maybe community service, maybe give them something to do with their time, which might give them a sense of responsibility toward the community,” said Hellar.

Police say thought the maximum sentence is 6 years in jail – since the fire was set by juveniles they will be prosecuted by the Juvenile probation services. And will be evaluated on a case by case basis.

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San Luis Obispo police received multiple calls regarding "fireworks" in the area of Sinsheimer School and the surrounding neighborhoods near Southwood Drive on Sunday at 12:11 a.m.

SLO police sent a patrol officer to investigate the area of the Sinsheimer Park Baseball Stadium. Upon arriving at the scene, the officer reported seeing the park's playground structure on fire and four people running from the area.

The officer followed the suspects and caught two of them at the scene. The other two fled on foot but were found after officers searched the area.

All four subjects were described as juveniles.

SLO Fire personnel responded to the playground fire and successfully extinguished it before it spread to any more structures.

Police said the damage to the playground was primarily limited to the upper climbing parts. This play structure is located near the entrance to Sinsheimer Park Baseball Stadium.

Officers said the four juveniles were detained at the scene. They were determined to be the only suspects involved in the arson. Police will not be releasing their identities at this time as they are all minors.

This is an ongoing investigation. Anyone with more information is encouraged to contact Officer Megan Donovan at (805) 781-7312.