WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. -- An arsonist is being sought after Winston-Salem police said he tried to burn down Philo Magnet School the day before classes started last month.
Police said the teen is seen on surveillance video using an accelerate to start the fire at about 1 a.m. on Aug. 21. The fire petered out and the teen left, police said, but not before smashing glass on a door.
Police said he is possibly a current or former student at the school.
"He appears to be in the age range of someone in middle school or early in high school," said Philo Magnet School resource officer K.R. Lennex.
"Typically with kids, they like to have their bragging rights, and it's something that they might possibly brag to other students about," Lennex said.
Lennex said that if the teen does tell his friends, it could help investigators crack the case
Police said the teen is seen on surveillance video using an accelerate to start the fire at about 1 a.m. on Aug. 21. The fire petered out and the teen left, police said, but not before smashing glass on a door.
Police said he is possibly a current or former student at the school.
"He appears to be in the age range of someone in middle school or early in high school," said Philo Magnet School resource officer K.R. Lennex.
"Typically with kids, they like to have their bragging rights, and it's something that they might possibly brag to other students about," Lennex said.
Lennex said that if the teen does tell his friends, it could help investigators crack the case