3 minors charged with burglary, arson

Three juveniles are facing felony charges after police say they stole from and vandalized a Little League concession stand and fire department training tower.

According to the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, during the early hours of Saturday, May 27, the three youths pried the concession stand door open to the Bear Country Little League Field, stealing $150 cash and an additional $60 in food. The juveniles are also accused of starting a fire in the concession stand and on a nearby picnic table. Following that, police say the youths pried the door to the nearby North Chittenango Fire Department Training Tower open and stole a SCBA (selfcontained breathing apparatus) mask which is valued at $500. The juveniles left then left the scene be- fore returning to steal more property.

When the youths returned, Madison County Sheriff’s Deputies were at the scene. Following the subsequent interviews and investigation, the juveniles were arrested.

The first juvenile was charged with: two counts of third- degree burglary, class D felonies; two counts of fourth- degree criminal mischief, class A misdemeanors; two counts of petty larceny, class A mis- demeanors; and fifth- degree arson, a class A misdemeanor.

The second juvenile was charged with: two counts of third-degree burglary, class D felonies; two counts of fourth-degree criminal mischief, class A misdemeanors; petty larceny, a class A misdemeanor; and fifth-degree arson, a class Amisdemeanor.

The third juvenile was charged with: two counts of third- degree burglary, a class D felony, and petty larceny, a class A misdemeanor.

All three are scheduled to appear at Madison County Probation to answer the charges at a later date.

Madison County Sheriff Allen Riley is asking the public to be vigilant to this issue and to be attentive in securing homes, camps, and businesses, at all times. This includes the use of door and window locks, activation of alarm systems (if installed), and securing valuables in a locked safe or off premise in a safety deposit box at your local financial institution. Outdoor equipment should be kept locked in a garage or shed if not in use. If you are leaving the area for an extended period of time, you can notify the Office of the Madison County Sheriff through their website (www.madisoncountysheriff.us) and click on “Property Check Request.” The sheriff’s patrol will do cursory checks on property during an owner’s absence.

“Trust your feeling,” Riley said. “If you see suspicious activity, report it to your local law enforcement agency immediately by dialing 911.”