An 18-year-old Raleigh student accused of setting a fire at Enloe Magnet High School on Friday faces criminal charges.
Jeremaine Cotton, a high school senior, has been charged with felony schoolhouse fire and disorderly conduct.
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According to an arrest warrant dated May 30, Cotton is accused of burning down the school in east Raleigh and “causing the fire alarm to go off,” forcing kids and staff to leave.
According to the Wake County Fire Department, the fire began in one of the men’s facilities around 1 p.m., shortly before school got out.
According to officials, fires generally start in bathroom trash cans to disturb class time. Wake County fire officials stated they receive approximately 20 bathroom fire reports every year.
“From what we’ve discovered, it’s really just a disruption,” Wake County Fire Director Darrell Alford stated. “Maybe they want to go home for the day, maybe they have to take an exam, or maybe they’re just mad and want to cause a disruption for a little bit.”
The principal of Enloe High School sent an official communication to parents stating that the fire alarm had been activated and that all staff and students had safely departed the facility. There was no damage or injury recorded.
Students were allowed to return to their classrooms, with the exception of rooms near the restrooms, where smoke remained.
Cotton was arrested on a $50,000 bond. Cotton was ordered by a judge on Wednesday to keep away from any Wake County Public School System premises.
The Raleigh Police Department has taken up this inquiry. Cotton’s next court date is June 25.
