Three Juveniles Arrested After Flare Gun Fire Ignites Yacht at Twin Dolphin Marina
Three juveniles, ages 11 to 14, have been arrested in connection with a fire that damaged a 45-foot yacht docked at Twin Dolphin Marina after they were seen firing flare guns off the Green Bridge.
The incident occurred at approximately 1:31 p.m. on Monday, July 14, when a 911 caller reported seeing a group of juveniles discharge a device from the bridge moments before a yacht at the marina, located at 1000 1st Ave. W. erupted in flames. A second witness also reported seeing the juveniles moments before the fire broke out.
Bradenton Fire Department crews responded quickly and extinguished the blaze, but not before the yacht sustained significant damage from the fire.
Detectives from the Bradenton Police Department launched an immediate investigation, utilizing CCTV footage from the City of Bradenton’s Riverwalk camera system. The video appeared to show three juveniles in possession of flare guns before and after the fire was reported.
With assistance from cooperating parents, all three suspects were identified and interviewed. Michael Walker, 14, has been charged with first-degree arson, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, possession of a firearm by a minor under 18, and discharging a firearm in public or on residential property.
Two additional juveniles, aged 11 and 12, face charges of possession of a firearm by a minor and discharging a firearm in public or on residential property. All three were transported to the Manatee Juvenile Detention Center.
The investigation is ongoing.
