Police Accuse 13-year-old of Arson at Dubuque Mall

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By Aaron Hepker

Story Created: Jan 4, 2013 at 5:08 PM CDT

Story Updated: Jan 4, 2013 at 7:53 PM CDT

DUBUQUE, Iowa (AP) — A 13-year-old boy has been accused of starting a pair of fires at a shopping mall in northeast Iowa.

The Dubuque Telegraph Herald reports Mitchel McArthur has been charged with first-degree arson and reckless use of fire.

Police say McArthur started a fire Dec. 15 at a Sears at the Kennedy Mall in Dubuque. No one was injured but damage is estimated at more than $100,000.

An investigation into the first fire led police to a second smaller incident at the mall. Police believe the fire was self-extinguished without causing damage.

The newspaper reports McArthur has been ordered to juvenile detention. He remains in custody.

Online records do not list an attorney for McArthur.