NEWTOWN, Ohio — Police have made an arrest in connection to a fire that heavily damaged a school in Newtown.
Fire crews from Anderson Township and Newtown officers responded to a call for a fire at Miami Valley Christian Academy on School Street around 3:15 Monday morning.
The fire engulfed a building behind the main school facility. Police say the building housed weight lifting equipment and sports equipment.
Officials said a preliminary investigation showed someone set several fires in that athletics building and broke windows in the school building. The damage is estimated at approximately $100,000.
Thomas Holbert, 18, was found on the scene and has been charged with arson. Investigators believe he acted alone.
Police said he lives steps from the school with family, but that is the only connection they had discovered as of Monday afternoon.
"Right now, there’s not connection that we’re aware of. We have done a brief background, but nothing we can find at this point," said Sgt. Jim Vontz.
People who used to attend the school stopped by to see the damage Monday afternoon.
"This is a shame," said John Eglian. "Luckily, like I said, it's not the school. It's behind the school. Hopefully, they get it cleaned up, get it remodeled."
Police and fire inspectors said the investigation is ongoing and further charges could be pending.
