Three Arrested For 2014 Colonial Beach Fire

beach-fire

From Virginia State Police:
Three Colonial Beach men have been arrested on charges related to the 2014 arson of a Town of Colonial Beach landmark. Thomas G. Perry, 24, and Parrish Muse, 21, are being held without bond at the Northern Neck Regional Jail. Carlos Bermudez, 19, was released on bond.

In the predawn hours of Jan. 5, 2014, the Colonial Beach Elementary School was set fire. The vacant public building was destroyed in the blaze. No one was injured as a result of the fire.

The Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation’s (BCI) Richmond Field Office Special Agent/Arson Investigator A.B. Cooke Jr. and ATF Special Agent C. Campanelle responded to the scene to investigate the arson. State police Special Agent J.C. Straughan Jr. assisted with the 16-month investigation.

A Westmoreland County grand jury indicted Perry and Muse each for one count of burglary, one count of conspiracy to commit arson, one count of arson of an unoccupied dwelling and one count of damage to a public building. Muse was indicted on arson of an unoccupied dwelling and trespassing on school property. All three were taken into custody Tuesday (April 28) without incident.

“The state police especially wants to thank the Town of Colonial Beach community,” said Capt. Timothy P. Ring, BCI Richmond Field Office commander. “Today’s arrests are the direct result of the overwhelming response and tips generated by area residents. We also recognize the Colonial Beach Volunteer Fire Department for their overwhelming support and assistance throughout this extensive and challenging investigation.”