Student arrested in Valley Central High School arson case

Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler and Montgomery Police Chief John Hank announced that a student has been arrested in connection with fires started at Valley Central High School on January 9, 2025. Because of the child’s age they did release any identifying information.

According to Hoovler’s announcement, the student allegedly set two fires at around 12:30 p.m. in two bathrooms on the second floor of the school, while classes were in session and when over 1,300 students were present in the building. Another student was in one of the restroom stalls when one of the fires was started. However, while there was fire damage and charring to the bathroom, no one was injured.

“The unsettling allegations in this case were quickly investigated by talented members of law enforcement, including the Hudson Valley Arson & Explosives Task Force,” said Hoovler. “Thankfully, there were no injuries in this case despite the danger posed by the actions of the alleged offender. Arson investigations present unique challenges and I praise the work of the police and investigators which resulted in this arrest. We will continue to supply the necessary resources in order to investigate arson crimes in Orange County.”

“The coordination between the Town of Montgomery Police and the Hudson Valley Arson & Explosives Task Force, along with the cooperation from the Valley Central School District, led to an arrest of the juvenile allegedly responsible,” said Town of Montgomery Police Chief John Hank.