Student arrested after arson at Chillicothe High School

CHILLICOT, Ohio — A Chillicothe High School student was arrested after allegedly setting a fire in the girls' restroom, prompting the evacuation of about 1,000 students and staff on Aug. 23, according to a police report. The incident, which occurred around 11:18 a.m., began when a staff member reportedly pulled the fire alarm after noticing smoke and burning smells coming from the restroom near the school's art room.

The smoke was reportedly traced to a fire in a wall-mounted toilet paper dispenser, which a janitor was able to extinguish before it spread, the police report said. The Chillicothe Fire Department (CFD) arrived at the scene and used fans to ventilate the building and clear the smoke.

According to the report, surveillance footage reviewed by Chillicothe City School District (CCSD) staff allegedly showed a student entering the restroom at 11:13 a.m. and leaving two minutes later. Another student entered the restroom at 11:17 a.m. and quickly exited, alerting a janitor after noticing the smoke.

The student identified in the footage was reportedly taken to an office, where a search of her belongings allegedly revealed a multi-colored BIC lighter and other contraband in a small black purse, the report said. When questioned by officers, the student allegedly admitted to lighting the lighter to relieve her anxiety and stated she did not intend for the paper to catch fire.

The student was subsequently arrested for arson and panic-mongering and taken to the juvenile detention center, where she will remain in custody pending a court date. The incident remains under investigation.