A boy is facing criminal charges after Pennsylvania State Police say he set American flags on fire outside two homes in Perkiomen Township, Montgomery County. The youth was arrested Monday on suspicion of arson and criminal mischief, and officials say quick-thinking township workers who spotted suspicious activity helped steer investigators toward a suspect.
According to NBC10 Philadelphia, troopers first responded around noon to a report of a burning American flag on the 100 block of Equestrian Lane. Not long after, they were called to a second, similar incident on the 400 block of Glendale Road. The second caller provided a description of the suspected arsonist and a license plate number, and Perkiomen Township workers reportedly observed and followed the person to another location, giving police more to work with as they canvassed the area.
How police say they tracked the suspect
State police said troopers used those tips to canvass nearby neighborhoods and eventually tracked the boy down. They then spotted him crossing a yard while wearing a face mask, officials told NBC10 Philadelphia. He was taken into custody and later charged with arson and criminal mischief. Authorities said the flag fires were reported in the Fox Heath, Greenshire Estates and Cranberry Estates neighborhoods.
Charges and next steps
The youth faces arson and criminal mischief charges, but officials have not released his name, age or any court dates. State police say the investigation remains active and have not yet provided any information about a possible motive.
