Deputy State Fire Marshals have charged two fifteen year old male juveniles in connection with burning combustible

materials on an occupied school bus.

At approximately 2:40 p.m. on Feb. 9, during transport from Fairlead Academy to Leonardtown High School, the driver of the bus smelled an odor of smoke and brought the bus to a stop in the 21400 block of Point Lookout Road in Callaway.

Upon inspection, he found 

students stomping out the burned remains of papers on the floor of the bus. The driver made immediate notification to authorities and continued transport to the high school. A joint investigation by both the Office of the State Fire Marshal and the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s School Resource Officer determined the two students ignited schoolwork papers with a cigarette lighter.

Both juveniles have been charged with Malicious Burning 

of Personal Property and were released to the custody of their parents pending review before the Department of Juvenile Services. If found guilty of the charges, they each face a penalty of eighteen months imprisonment and/or $500 in fines.