The Rapid City Police Department and the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office have conducted an investigation into the ignition of an improvised incendiary device at Central High School that occurred on May 29^th, 2007. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms also assisted with this investigation. The incident resulted in the evacuation and early dismissal of the school. As a result of the investigation, three Central High School students have been arrested and placed at the Pennington County Jail.   Their names and charges follow-

• Jesse Antes, 18 years old, Rapid City - Reckless Burning
• McKenzie Koenen, 18 years old, Rapid City – Reckless Burning
• Gabriel Rensch, 18 years old, Rapid City – Reckless Burning

The following is an excerpt from South Dakota Codified Law-

  22-33-9.3.   Reckless burning or exploding--Felony. Any person who intentionally starts a fire or causes an explosion, whether on his or her own property or another's, and thereby recklessly:

             (1)      Places another person in danger of death or serious bodily injury; or

            (2)      Places a building or occupied structure of another in danger of damage or destruction;
is guilty of reckless burning or exploding. Reckless burning or exploding is a Class 4 felony.

The maximum sentence that may be imposed for a class 4 felony is 10 years imprisonment and/or a $20,000 fine. Their initial appearance is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. on May 31^st, 2007, at the Pennington County Courthouse. 

There were no injuries from this incident.

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Rapid City Police Department                                      Pennington County Sheriff’s Office