Two kids, ages 9 and 13, accused of setting fire at Nebraska church

Two kids, ages 9 and 13, accused of setting fire at Nebraska church
A nun at St. Joseph Catholic Church speaks to York Fire Chief Mike Lloyd after two children allegedly started an altar in the church on fire. (World-Herald News Service)

YORK, Neb. — An altar and other religious items were damaged last week when two children allegedly started them on fire inside St. Joseph Catholic Church.

York Fire Chief Mike Lloyd said his department responded to a report of a fire at the church at 4:08 p.m. Thursday.

“It is my understanding that two children, ages 9 and 13, entered the church and once inside, locked the front door,” Lloyd said. “They allegedly then took a candle and lit the linen on one of the altars on fire. They also tried to light the kneeler in front of that altar on fire as well.”

A priest was in the church at the time and realized something was burning. Lloyd said the priest used a fire extinguisher to put out the flames.

The children left the church after allegedly starting the fire and were seen outside by a nun.

Police made contact with the children, but because of their ages, their names will not be disclosed and no further information will be released.

Lloyd estimated damage to the religious objects at several thousand dollars.

The State Fire Marshal investigated the scene.

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