12-Year-Old Charged with Starting a Fire Inside William Davies Middle School in Hamilton Township

A 12-year-old boy has been charged with setting a fire this morning at William Davies Middle School in Hamilton Township.

Just after 8:30 this morning, Hamilton Township Police and the Mays Landing Fire Department responded to William Davies Middle School for a structure fire. Upon arrival, the initial responders discovered heavy smoke in a portion of the building. The fire had been extinguished by school personnel and all students were evacuated to Oakcrest High School.

Township of Hamilton Police Fire Investigators were called to the scene to conduct an investigation. It was determined that a fire was intentionally set in a boy’s bathroom causing moderate to significant damage to the bathroom. A suspect was identified and interviewed by police. The suspect, a 12 year old boy from Mays Landing, was charged with 2nd Degree Aggravated Arson, 3rd Degree Criminal Mischief, and 4th Degree Risking Widespread Injury. He was transported to Harbor Fields Detention Center pending juvenile court.

No injuries were reported.