WINSLOW — The state Fire Marshal’s Office has identified three suspects in connection with a string of early-morning firebombings this week.
Ken Grimes, a supervisor with the state Fire Marshal’s Office, said the three suspects are a mix of juvenile and young-adult males, but wouldn’t provide names or further details. The suspects were found during a door-to-door request for information Thursday by police. Grimes said the suspects are cooperative and apologetic.
For three consecutive mornings beginning Tuesday, homemade firebombs were ignited near the Winslow schools on the north side of town. At 3:58 a.m. Tuesday, a device was reported burning at the corner of Pinehurst Avenue and Woodlawn Drive. At 3:56 a.m. Wednesday, another burning device was reported at the corner of North Garand and East Bowden streets. At 4 a.m. Thursday, a third device burned in the parking lot of Winslow Junior High School off Danielson Street.
Grimes said it is unclear whether the bombings would have continued for more consecutive days if the suspects hadn’t been identified.
Investigators are still trying to determine the suspects’ intent, but Grimes said no specific person or property were targeted in the incidents.
“It was more about experimentation,” he said.
Grimes said each firebomb was similar in construction, Grimes said. The device from Thursday’s incident was made from an aerosol can and a carbon-dioxide canister. The devices were stationary, not projectiles.
The state Fire Marshal’s Office is consulting with the Kennebec County District Attorney’s office to determine the appropriate charges, which could be filed within a week, Grimes said.
Ben McCanna — 861-9239
bmccanna@centralmaine.com
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