April 24, 2024
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McHenry police arrest two teens on allegations connected to suspicious Just For Fun roller rink fire

14-year-old boys were allegedly trespassing inside building

By Sam Lounsberry
A fire overnight May 27 into May 28, 2021, destroyed the former Just For Fun Roller Rink, 914 N. Front St. in McHenry.

A fire overnight May 27 into May 28, 2021, destroyed the former Just For Fun Roller Rink, 914 N. Front St. in McHenry. (Provided by Lisa Duncan)

Police on Monday announced the arrests of two 14-year-old boys from McHenry on allegations connected to a fire officers say one of them started while trespassing inside the Just For Fun former roller rink building that burned down overnight between Thursday and Friday.

McHenry Police Chief John Birk announced the arrests of the two teens in a news release, and that investigators believe the pair trespassed into the vacant building. One of the teens intentionally lit an object on fire and flames spread out of control, according to the release.

They fled the building and were seen by a passerby, police said.

One of them is facing a count of arson as well as burglary, both Class 2 felonies, and a count of criminal damage to property, a Class 4 felony. The other is facing a criminal trespass to property allegation, a Class B misdemeanor.

Authorities conducted multiple interviews with people while investigating the case, and collected evidence at the scene of the fire, according to the release.

Both teens were taken into custody without incident, and have been released to their parents. They have been petitioned to the 22nd Judicial Circuit’s Juvenile Court System, according to the release.

While no injuries were reported during the incident, the blaze destroyed a structure many McHenry County residents had fond memories of that were shared in the hours after.

Police are asking anyone with any additional information related to the fire incident to call the Criminal Investigation Division of the McHenry Police Department at 815-363-2599. Those wishing to remain anonymous while providing a tip can call the department’s tip line at 815-363-2124.