Two juveniles have been charged with arson and burglary in connection with a structure fire at the former site of Tony’s Pizzeria on Rt. 1 in Wiscasset Sept. 18.
The suspects, ages 13 and 15 from Wiscasset and Woolwich, were allegedly witnessed fleeing the scene shortly after smoke was seen coming from the structure, according to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office.
Interviewed by LCSO deputies with their parent’s present, the juveniles allegedly admitted to setting the fire. They were charged and released into their parents’ custody pending an appearance in juvenile court, the Sheriff’s Office said.
Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Michael Murphy declined comment on the motives of the suspects or how the fire was set.
The fire was first reported at 9:16 a.m. The Wiscasset Fire Dept. responded to the call supported by mutual aid units from Alna, Dresden, Edgecomb and Westport Island.
The Wiscasset Police Dept., the Sheriff’s Office, and the Maine Fire Marshal’s Office investigated the fire.
No one was injured in Sunday’s fire, nor were any neighboring buildings damaged.
According to the LCSO, the building was severely damaged and is considered a “complete loss” by the site’s owners. Workers are currently in the process of demolishing the building.
Tony’s Pizzeria has been out of business for over two years. The building was vacant at the time of the fire.
