Two boys cited for arson in Zupo Field fire

Detective says boys too young to be arrested

Two young boys caught on surveillance camera leaving the scene of a fire at Zupo Field last month have been cited for arson, the Lodi Police Department reported Thursday morning.

Both boys are younger than 12 years of age, police said, and their names will not be released because they are minors.

Detective Michael Hitchcock said the boys were cited on suspicion of arson of an unoccupied structure.

“Due to their young age... they’re both younger than 12 and that’s why they weren’t arrested,” he said. “The juvenile courts won’t take kids under a certain age, so they are merely required to appear in court.”

Last week, police posted surveillance video taken from the American Legion Hall on North Washington Street that captured the two boys walking southbound toward Lockeford Street, away from the field at the time of the fire.

In the video, the boys appear to be walking quickly, while one of them looks back toward the stadium more than once.

The police department announced the boys’ citations on their Facebook page, and many Lodians questioned why they were merely cited.

“That's not going to teach them anything,” one comment read. “They'll do it again. Make the parents pay for the damages. I don't understand why parents aren't more active in their kids lives. Know who their friends are, meet the parents, curfews, consequences for the kids' actions.”

Many who commented on the post felt the boys’ parents should be required to pay the fines, as well as for some of the repairs that will be required for the century-old stadium.

City Attorney Janice Magdich said because the boys are minors, the case will be handled by the San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office, which will also determine what fines, if any, will be mandated.

She said restitution is a civil matter, and it is unknown at this point whether the city will pursue it.

“The city has not made a decision (about seeking restitution) because we don’t know what our expenses are at this point,” she said. “Our first goal was to make sure that entire area was safe and secure, and that any hazardous materials were removed from the site.”

Magdich said the city will monitor the case as it progresses through the juvenile justice system.

Lodi Fire Department crews responded to the fire at Zupo Field just before 5 p.m. on Sept. 22 and found the main grandstand, press box and office engulfed in flames.

The blaze was under control by about 6 p.m., the fire department said, but crews remained on scene until about 8 p.m. that evening.

The point of origin had been determined to be in an area behind the Zupo Field sign that greets spectators as they enter the front gate, and closer to the first base side of the grandstands and office, the fire department said.

Jeff Hood, the city’s Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services director, said an estimated cost for the damage has still not been determined by insurance adjusters.

Police said there are no other known suspects, and detectives do not believe other people were involved in the incident, police said.

However, police added that the investigation remains open, and anyone with additional information is asked to call Hitchcock at 209-333-6871.