Warrren Twp. High School sophomore charged with arson

A 16-year-old sophomore is accused of setting fire to a roll of toilet paper in the boys' restroom at Warren Township High School's O'Plaine Campus last week, causing about $5,000 in damage, police said Wednesday.

The student, who is from Park City but was not otherwise identified because of his age, was charged with arson, a Class X felony, and he is held at the Depke Juvenile Justice Center near Vernon Hills, Gurnee Police Cmdr. Jay Patrick said.

Patrick said the student told police he ignited the toilet paper because "he just wanted to watch it burn."

He started the fire about 9:45 a.m. Friday, Feb. 27, at 500 N. O'Plaine Road campus.

A security guard smelled smoke, pulled the fire alarm and put out the fire, Gurnee fire officials said. The unidentified guard suffered smoke inhalation and was taken by ambulance to Vista Medical Center West in Waukegan, but was back at work later in the day, Warren Township High School officials said.

The fire damaged the restroom stall, ceiling and the floor, Gurnee fire officials said.