Myrtle Beach police took two juveniles into custody for a while Thursday night, after fire crews were called to five separate fires that caused more than $8,000 in damages, according to authorities.
The first blaze was reported at 5:30 p.m. and police continued to get calls on them until 7:40 p.m. Thursday at homes along Cherokee Street, Winchester Court and Monticello Drive, police said.
Porches, a vehicle, a table, a grill, house siding and a door frame were damaged during the incidents, according to the police reports. Damage in the five incidents was estimated at $8,270.
Myrtle Beach police Capt. David Knipes said the juveniles, ages 10 and 11, were released to the custody of their guardians and a juvenile summons form was issued to them, which requires them to appear in Family Court. Officials with the state Department of Juvenile Justice will handle the incidents and because of their ages no formal charges were filed.
The guardians of the juveniles were advised they are liable for the damages in the incidents and the children were to be placed on house restriction, Knipes said.
In the first incident at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, a 49-year-old man’s 1996 Isuzu Rodeo sustained damage to the front passenger compartment after a fire was set in the seat, according to the report. Damage was estimated at $2,500.
In the second incident, a 37-year-old man told police he was in the shower when he heard a loud noise, looked out and saw his porch on fire, according to the report. The victim said his porch, a table and a grill were burnt. Damage was estimated at $5,180.
The first two incidents occurred at 1320 Monticello Drive.
In the third incident at 5:48 p.m. Thursday, a 45-year-old man reported his porch at 1108 Cherokee St., was set on fire, according to the report. His porch and front door were damaged, which was estimated at $500.
In the fourth incident at 6 p.m. Thursday at 1210 Winchester Court, a 46-year-old man told officers his 19-year-old son woke him after the son saw smoke coming in the front door, according to the report. The victim said he put out the fire on his porch and a rug and his door frame, valued at $90, were damaged.
At 7:40 p.m. Thursday, a 42-year-old reported the fifth incident at 1108 Cherokee St., where his porch was set on fire.
Contact TONYA ROOT at 444-1723.
