RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating three juveniles in connection with allegedly starting a building fire and recording it for social media.
At approximately 2:50 p.m. on November 9, 2024, officers responded to a fire at a large warehouse under construction in the 1200 block of Kretschmer Drive, according to a media release.
Witnesses reported seeing three male juveniles running from the scene toward businesses on McCall Road.
Officers quickly located three juveniles in the 400 block McCall Road. Officers detained 15-year-old Jakeem Coopwood Jr. and 15-year-old Jordan Ehret for their roles in the fire.
According to the investigation, Coopwood admitted to igniting cardboard boxes using a spray can and lighter and provided officers with a Snapchat video of the incident. Ehret was reported to have actively participated by filming Coopwood lighting the fire. A third juvenile, age 12, confirmed the account.
Both Coopwood and Ehret have been detained as juvenile offenders and face charges including Arson, Burglary, and Contributing to the Misconduct of a Minor. Coopwood was transported to the Southeast Kansas Juvenile Detention Facility in Girard, and Ehret was taken to the North Central Kansas Juvenile Detention Facility in Junction City. The 12-year-old juvenile was released to his guardian.
The Riley County Police Department extended their appreciation to the quick-acting witness and to Manhattan Fire Department members involved in this case for their swift and effective response.