Park fire deemed arson
By Kathy McCarty
PRESQUE ISLE — Police are investigating a case of arson at Mantle Lake Park that was reported Friday evening.
The Presque Isle Police Department received a call around 7:44 p.m. July 16 from a woman who lives near the facility who reported a lawn mower was on fire at Mantle Lake Park. The caller indicated the bathroom appeared to have been partially burned as well.
Officer Cole Chandler, PIPD, responded to investigate. Chandler spoke with the woman and a male witness who gave a description of individuals spotted in the area around the time of the fire.
“The suspects are two males around the age of 13. One of the males has blonde hair and was wearing a baseball cap and green shirt. The other male has brown hair and was wearing a black hoodie,” said Chandler.
Both males reportedly fled the scene on bikes, heading toward Yale Street.
“One bike is described as being a blue mountain bike with shocks on it. The other bike is green in color and of unknown style,” said Chandler.
Chris Beaulieu, director, Parks and Recreation Department, was notified.
“We estimate the damage (to the bathroom and the park’s lawn mower) to be around $3,000,” said Beaulieu.
The Presque Isle Fire Department also responded.
Anyone with information is asked to call 764-4476.
