Teen Arrested for S.C. High School Flag Burning Incident

MURRELLS INLET, S.C. — Authorities arrested a 17-year-old Monday in connection with the burning of flags at St. James High School.

Police arrived on the high school campus around 6:20 a.m. after security personnel discovered numerous burned American flags and plastic containers at the school’s front entrance. Surveillance footage showed an arson suspect wearing all black clothing, including black goggles, and carrying a bag on campus grounds around 2 a.m., WMBFnews.com reports.

School officials contacted the Horry County Police Department’s Bomb Squad, which cleared the school around 11:15 a.m. Students were taken to a nearby middle school after spending the morning on the high school’s football field.

Nick Newell, who is enrolled as a student at St. James High School, is suspected of starting the fire, which caused minor damage to the building. He faces third degree arson charges.

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