2 teens to be charged in arson at Loftis Middle School

Thursday, April 11, 2013

photo Loftis Middle School is located on Columbus Rd. just off Hixson Pike.

Two juveniles will be charged in a Sept. 17, 2012, arson fire at Loftis Middle School, the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office says.

The two suspects face charges of aggravated burglary, arson, reckless endangerment and vandalism over $60,000, according to a news release from spokeswoman Janice Atkinson. She said the juveniles are not associated with the school, and that additional arrests and more charges are possible.

Sheriff Jim Hammond will hold a news conference at 11 a.m. Friday to discuss the case, the release stated.

Hammonds commended sheriff's office personnel along with the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and the Tennessee Bomb & Arson division "for the strong and efficient working relationship that exists between them all," the release stated.

He added that "actions such as this will not be tolerated and will be investigated aggressively."