Arson bomb squad detectives recently reported the arrest for an arson that occurred on Sept. 5, 2005 at 10:34 p.m. in Plainview.

According to detectives, the defendants, 19-year-old Jonathan Santiago of Plainview, and 19-year-old Paul Wohlrab also of Plainview, intentionally started a fire inside of the dugout of the Plainview-Old Bethpage John F. Kennedy High School in Plainview. Detectives state that the defendants started the fire with lit towels and plastic bottles. The fire caused the majority of the dugout to be consumed, causing in excess of $1,500 in damage.

The defendants then allegedly went to the front of the school and intentionally damaged flowerpots. Santiago then lowered the American flag from the school flagpole and set it on fire detective state. It is also alleged that after causing damage at the high school, the defendants went to the Plainview-Old Bethpage Middle School and ignited the contents of two metal garbage cans. The only damage there was to the contents of the cans.

On March 15, both defendants were arrested and charged with two counts of arson fifth degree and one count of criminal mischief second degree. They were arraigned at first district court in Hempstead this week.

In a prepared statement school officials said, "The Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District is pleased to have been informed that law enforcement officials were able to apprehend the suspects in this case. The school district has no tolerance for vandalism of any sort. We will work closely with the proper authorities to resolve the situation."