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19-Year-Old Arrested After Molotov Cocktails Destroy New Berlin Park Merry-Go-Round

With the suspect in custody investigators are assessing damage to the park ahead of arson charges.

Overview

  • Police say neighbors called 911 early Friday morning after seeing a man with a gas can and a playground merry-go-round burning at Biwer/Biewer Park on Sandalwood Drive.
  • Officers located a 19-year-old New Berlin man in a nearby yard, arrested him without force while he appeared intoxicated, and placed him in Waukesha County Jail awaiting charges.
  • Authorities recovered gas cans and four Molotov cocktails, which police say were used to ignite parts of the playground and basketball court.
  • The merry-go-round was destroyed, the basketball court showed minor singe damage, no injuries were reported, and police say there is no ongoing danger to the public.
  • Neighbors who tried to douse the flames before firefighters arrived expressed shock, the Department of Public Works is assessing costly repairs, and investigators have not released a motive.