MERIDEN, CT — A Meriden student fire incident at Washington Middle School on Monday has resulted in the arrest of a seventh-grade student, now facing multiple felony charges after allegedly setting a blaze inside a school bathroom. The fire prompted a full evacuation of the building and led to three school staff members being hospitalized for smoke inhalation.
Emergency crews responded around 11:45 a.m. to the North Broad Street school after fire alarms sounded. Firefighters located burning paper towels in the second-floor girls’ bathroom, causing thick smoke to fill the hallways and classrooms. Students and faculty were swiftly evacuated to nearby Falcon Field as firefighters extinguished the flames and ventilated the building.
Three employees were taken to MidState Medical Center, while another was treated at the scene. Surveillance footage and witness statements helped Meriden Police identify the student responsible. The youth was arrested and charged with first-degree arson, reckless burning, criminal mischief, and breach of peace.
Police obtained a court-approved detention order due to the severity of the Meriden student fire incident, and the student was transported to Hartford Detention Center. Authorities continue to investigate the motive and are implementing measures to bolster school safety.
This Meriden student fire underscores ongoing concerns about juvenile offenses and campus safety protocols in Connecticut schools.
