Laurel Youth Arrested for Arson

A 13-year-old boy was arrested in Laurel, Montana Friday afternoon on suspicion he caused an arson fire at Laurel’s post office and a previously unreported arson attempt at the Laurel Walmart.

The Billings Gazette reports that both incidents occurred early Thursday morning. The Laurel Post Office partially re-opened Friday morning, but access to post office boxes is still restricted.

In a Friday press release, Police Chief Stanley Langve said the Walmart incident was “very critical” in identifying the suspect.

Police believe the boy had tried to ignite products inside the store but was unsuccessful. The teen is being held pending charges of arson, attempted arson and criminal endangerment, according to the press release.