San Ramon police have identified three juveniles spotted fleeing the area after fire broke out at the historic Harlan House on July 16 and say they expect to bring charges against one of them, soon.
The fire was reported at approximately 10:30 a.m. that day and caused extensive damage – including the collapse of the roof and significant interior loss – before it could be brought under control.
Witnesses reported seeing as many as four youths fleeing into the surrounding neighborhood shortly before the fire started and officers subsequently identified and located three juveniles believed to have been at the scene. Police said the youths were between the ages of 11 and 15.
“Through the course of the investigation, it was determined that the fire was started by one of the juveniles,” Police Chief Denton Carlson wrote Thursday. “The case will be forwarded to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office for review.”
Police did not reveal how the suspect started the blaze or what, if any, motivation they may have had for doing so.
Citing the suspect’s age, police declined to discuss their case further.
The Harlan House, also known as “El Nido,” was constructed in 1852 by Joel and Minerva Fowler Harlan. It’s San Ramon’s oldest building and has ties to the California Gold Rush.
Thank you for staying on top of this. I was just wondering when we might hear something from PD or Fire.
Certainly. Thanks for riding with us!
And the punishment for this…………………..nothing.
Firestone 11R