Authorities: Teenager in mental health crisis started house on fire
Published 11:28 am Tuesday, February 7, 2023
A firefighter climbs a ladder to get to the roof of the house on fire on Second Avenue in Alden Monday morning. Sarah Stultz/Albert Lea Tribune
A firefighter breaks the windows of a house on the second floor of the house Monday morning to relieve some of the smoke. Sarah Stultz/Albert Lea Tribune
Firefighters from Alden, Conger and Freeborn respond to a fire Monday morning at 126 Second Ave. W. in Alden. Sarah Stultz/Albert Lea Tribune
Firefighters bring gear to the house fire on Monday. Sarah Stultz/Albert Lea Tribune
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Authorities say a 14-year-old boy was having a mental health crisis when he started his house on fire in Alden Monday.
The boy was taken to the emergency room for possible burn injuries and an overdose, and was held under a medical hold, according to a Freeborn County Sheriff’s Office news release. No other injuries were reported.
The house, at 126 W. Second Ave. W., sustained extensive damage, possibly to exceed $95,000.
The Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call from a neighboring residence at 10:04 a.m. Monday. The caller stated the boy from next door came to her house with his pets and reportedly told her he had started his house on fire.
Firefighters from Alden, Conger, Freeborn and Wells responded to get the fire under control, and Mayo Clinic Ambulance crews were also at the scene.
The release states the Sheriff’s Office has requested charges on the juvenile for first-degree arson of a dwelling and first-degree arson with a flammable material.
