HASTINGS-ON-HUDSON, N.Y. Three 13-year-olds and a 12-year-old were charged Wednesday with arson after they set a portable toilet on fire in Hastings, police said.
Video surveillance shows the youths fleeing the area after the toilet was tipped over with smoke coming from it, Hastings police said.
After extinguishing the blaze, police determined that the toilet paper had been used to set the portable unit on fire. A large hole had burned through the side, causing about $1,000 in damage.
Officers found three of the youths at the community center. The fourth was later found at home. All four were charged with fifth-degree arson and fourth-degree criminal mischief, class A misdemeanors.
Police said they received a report from a village Recreation Department staff member just after 2 p.m. Wednesday that the toilet at the Hillside pool and tennis courts had been tipped over and was on fire. Officers responded and extinguished the blaze.
The children were released to the custody of their parents. All four are due in Yonkers Family Court on either April 17 or April 19.
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