Brent Eller, principal of Loftis Middle School, right, listens during a news conference Friday in front of the sheriff’s office in Chattanooga as Hamilton County Sheriff Jim Hammond announces the arrest of two juveniles involved in the September 2012 arson at Loftis. The two suspects, who are unaffiliated with the school, will be charged with aggravated burglary, arson, reckless endangerment, and vandalism over $60,000.Detectives may make more arrests in an arson case at Loftis Middle School that resulted in more than $150,000 in damage.
The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office arrested two 17-year-olds in the September 2012 fire, Sheriff Jim Hammond said at a news conference Friday.
Hammond said at least one of the teens has turned 18 since the crime and he may attempt to have both tried as adults.
As many as 50 people were interviewed, and Detective David Sowder said numerous search warrants were executed before the arrests.
“This was a crime of opportunity, and we’re very fortunate to make the arrests we have,” Sowder said.