Louisiana Authorities Charge 17-Year-Old with Arson at Park

Lake Charles police say a 17-year-old has been booked with simple arson in the fire that destroyed a city park Jan. 8.

KPLC-TV reports that the teen is being held in lieu of $60,000 bond — and authorities expect at least one more arrest.

Police announced the youth’s name; The Associated Press does not identify juveniles.

Mayor Randy Roach says Lake Charles plans to rebuild Shiver Me Timbers Millennium Park near the Lake Charles Civic Center — with work starting this summer, and an opening possible as early as fall.

Damages are estimated at $190,000 to the park, which opened in 2000.

Local businesses donated money and supplies, and 5,500 volunteers worked 12 hours a day to build it in 10 days. It had a tower, train, plane and other features made of splinter-free wood, a tree house, and a multistory Louisiana Hurricane slide.