Juveniles are suspected of setting fires Sunday and Monday at churches in Marblehead and Beverly , officials said. The cases don’t appear to be related.
In a statement, Beverly police said a 17-year-old boy, whose name was withheld due to his age, was arrested Monday on charges of destruction of a place of worship, burning a public building or structure, and breaking and entering at night with intent to commit a felony.
The teen allegedly set fire to Pilgrim Cumberland Presbyterian Church on Cabot Street at 3:39 a.m., police said.
“The Beverly Fire Department responded on scene and quickly extinguished the fire,” the statement said. “Through an on-scene investigation, it was quickly determined that the fire was intentionally set.”
The 17-year-old was located “in the area” and place