Arson Task Force: Teen charged with arson, accused of throwing objects at firefighters

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — A Rochester teen is facing multiple charges after investigators say he intentionally set a bin on fire and then threw stuff at firefighters who tried to put out the flames Wednesday morning.

Crews went to a home on Clifford Avenue near Morton Street around 1:30 a.m. for a call of a man who set fire to a plastic bin. When firefighters got there, investigators with the Arson Task Force said the teen, a 17-year-old, started to throw "numerous objects" from the second floor of the home.

The ATF says Rochester Police soon arrived and found the teen in the second-floor bathtub, he was holding a knife. The teen was taken into custody without incident.

Investigators later determined the teen set a trash tote on fire and then dragged it to the home’s front porch. They also say he tried to puncture the front tire of a pickup truck with his knife before setting the fire.

Nobody was hurt, and the home was not severely damaged.

The teen was charged with second-degree attempted arson, first-degree criminal contempt, and obstructing firefighter operations. Investigators say in addition to the incident, he was in violation of a court order of protection. Police said they had been to the home for previous family troubles involving the teen.

He was arraigned in court and placed in custody with bail set pending more court action.