Juvenile charged after he allegedly sets fire to three buildings in Sussex as ‘a way of acting out’

SUSSEX COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — A juvenile is facing charges of arson after a series of structure fires occurred within days of each other in Sussex County last week.

This comes after reports of a structure fire in the 1300 block of Lee Avenue in Stony Creek on Sunday, Nov. 3, which officials said they believe to be the latest fire in the string of incidents.

The juvenile is allegedly responsible for two other fires in the town. The Sussex County Sheriff's Office on Tuesday, Dec. 2, said all three incidents occurred within the span of five days.

Police said the juvenile is facing charges of arson to an unoccupied dwelling following the latest incident at the third residence. He is being held at the Crater Juvenile Detention Center in Prince George County.

"According to the investigating deputies, interviews revealed that the juvenile has been setting fires as a way of acting out when he becomes upset," Sussex Sheriff Ernest Giles said in a statement to 8News.

Police said they're working to obtain petitions in connection with all three fire investigations.

This is a developing story. Stay with 8News for more updates.