TWO ARRESTED IN SOMERVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ARSON INVESTIGATION
Two California men have been arrested in Burleson County in connection with a burglary and arson investigation at Somerville Elementary School.
(Burleson Co. Jail)
34-year-old Tyler John Lonneman and 26-year-old Chance Loran James Downard, both of Citrus Heights, California, turned themselves in on Tuesday after warrants were issued for their arrest.
According to Burleson County Chief Deputy John Pollock, the two are accused of breaking into the school on June 28th, vandalizing several classrooms and starting a fire in one of the rooms.
Written case complaints provided by Pollock say the fire was started after the men allegedly placed a microwave on a stove top and turned on the stove top burners. Firefighters quickly responded and prevented further damage to the rest of the building.
Case complaints show that the men were seen on security footage entering the building shortly before 2 a.m. The vandalism led to damage to several SMART boards and desktop computers, while two administration building windows were broken. Somerville ISD Superintendent Karla Sparks said there was no entry into the administration building.
(Burleson Co. Jail)
Investigators identified the men as suspects after questioning local residents. Update @ 11:35 a.m.: According to Pollock, the two were believed to be visiting family in Burleson County. The Sheriff's Office is unsure if they had any prior ties to the county.
The two are charged with felony Arson, Burglary of a Building and Criminal Mischief, and are in custody on $70,000 bond.
The case was investigated by the Burleson County Sheriff’s Office and the Somerville Police Department.
Two California men breaking into Somerville, Tx Elementary School to commit arson.
That’s a really strange set of facts.
Hope KWHI follows this story.