15-year-old charged with third-degree arson

Faces other multiple arson charges

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A 15-year-old male has been taken into custody by Sumter County Sheriff's Office and charged with third-degree arson after a Tuesday morning fire at Lakewood High School.

The young man, who admitted to investigators he started the school fire, also faces multiple arson charges from Sumter Police Department after recent suspicious fire incidents within the city’s jurisdiction.

School Resource Officer Matthew Choice, who is assigned to the school by the sheriff’s office, responded to the fire and worked to contain the blaze. He is being treated for smoke inhalation at Tuomey Regional Medical Center.

No one else was harmed in the incident. No changes to Lakewood's schedule are expected.

The fire, which was contained to two separate bathrooms, was reportedly started by the suspect igniting toilet paper within the stalls.

First responders from Sumter Fire Department and Sumter County Emergency Medical Services also responded to the scene.

The teenager has been transported by deputies to Department of Juvenile Justice facilities in Columbia.