Earlier today, a 17-year-old from Beverly was arrested in connection with a fire that broke out at the Pilgrim Cumberland Presbyterian Church on Cabot Street. The juvenile faces multiple charges, including breaking and entering with intent to commit a felony, burning a public building, and the destruction of a place of worship, Beverly Police Department reports.
The incident was reported to the authorities around 3:39 a.m. when smoke was seen emanating from the historical church. Upon arrival, the Beverly Fire Department quickly managed to put out the blaze. An investigation soon unveiled signs that the fire was set intentionally. In a response effort, the State Police Fire & Explosion Investigation Unit, an affiliate of the State Fire Marshal’s Office, also made an appearance at the scene.
As the investigation progressed in its early hours, police located and apprehended the teenager in vicinity. He was then taken into custody and is believed to be the sole actor in this incident, with no further danger posed to the community at this time. "Beverly Police and Fire are actively investigating this incident, but believe the juvenile was the sole perpetrator and that there is no further threat to the community," stated by a recent update on the department's website.
The unnamed minor is slated for an arraignment at Salem Juvenile Court today. The nature of this case is particularly distressing given the role of churches as beacons of peace in a community. Despite the severity of the accusations, the police have found no linkage to any other incidents or broader schemes.
