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Two juveniles have been taken into custody in relation to ongoing arson investigations in Prince Edward County, according to a Thursday evening, June 4, Virginia State Police (VSP) press release.

Officials stated in the release that a 16-year-old female from Meherrin and a 16-year-old male, with an unknown fixed address, were taken into custody without incident by the VSP Bureau of Criminal Investigation’s Appomattox Field Office Wednesday, June 3. State police have charged each juvenile with three counts of arson.

The charges stem from a state police investigation initiated early Saturday, May 30, of a residential fire in the 1200 block of New Bethel Road, the release continued. There was one person inside the residence, but that individual was not injured. The arson fire caused minor damage to the residence.

Monday morning, June 1, VSP responded to a suspicious fire at a residence in the 1300 block of New Bethel Road, the release stated. There was one person inside the residence at the time of the fire, but that individual was not injured. The arson fire caused minor damage to the residence.

On Wednesday, June 3, state police responded to a third suspicious fire at an abandoned residence in the 1000 block of Virso Road, the release added.

Officials concluded the release by noting the investigation remains ongoing with the assistance of the Prince Edward County Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff L.A. “Tony” Epps stated that his office called in the state police arson team to assist in this investigation.

“Teamwork by that team and Prince Edward investigators and deputies resulted in the arrest,” he said. “We needed to get this case solved before someone got hurt or worse.”