Boy charged in St. Charles school fire

A 10-year-old St. Charles boy has been charged with aggravated arson for setting fire to a bathroom at his school, police announced today.

The west side boy, who is not being identified because of his age, is accused of starting a Nov. 12 fire that caused $250 in damage to a boys bathroom at Richmond Elementary School, 300 S. 12th St.

No one was hurt in the fire, which police said was confined to a toilet paper dispenser mounted to a restroom stall divider. The fire was discovered by employees who smelled smoke, and prompted an evacuation of the school.

St. Charles police spokesman Paul McCurtain said authorities have referred the boy to Kane County Juvenile Court, with a "recommendation for diversion," which means the case could be settled outside of court.