Elevate your local knowledge

Sign up for the iNFOnews newsletter today!

Select Region

Selecting your primary region ensures you get the stories that matter to you first.

Teens say burning of ex’s love letter led to school fire

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A case of burning love caused thousands of dollars in damage at a school playground in Alaska.

Anchorage police say a fire from lit paper ignited rubber mulch and spread to two pieces of playground equipment, destroying both.

After speaking to witnesses and reviewing surveillance video, police interviewed two 18-year-olds.

The teens told investigators that they burned a love letter Tuesday night from an ex-girlfriend on the playground at Bowman Elementary School and left.

Police spokeswoman Jennifer Castro says investigators recommended charges of criminal mischief, criminal negligent burning and failure to control or report a fire.

Online court documents Wednesday morning did not indicate formal charges had been filed.

Rubber mulch is used on the playground to cushion falls. School district spokeswoman Heidi Embley says damage is estimated at $20,000.

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.