Police: suspect in fire at Tucson’s Salpointe High arrested

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — A suspect has been arrested in connection with a fire at a Tucson high school that caused millions of dollars in damages, police said Monday.

They said the July 17 fire is suspected to be arson and 26-year-old Forrest Harris is being held on $25,000 bond on suspicion of arson, third-degree burglary and criminal damage.

It’s unclear if Harris has a lawyer yet who can speak on his behalf.

Officials at Salpointe Catholic High said the fire destroyed the 700 English wing at the 72-year-old school and caused smoke, water and electrical damage to several other campus buildings.

Restoration as begun and the six classrooms destroyed by the fire will be temporarily replaced by modern modular classrooms by the time classes start on Aug. 15.

Authorities said Harris has no known affiliation to Salpointe and a possible motive for the suspected arson is unclear.

Police said Harris entered the fenced yard at the school and allegedly broke several windows and electrical boxes.

Tests on blood found on the windows led them to Harris, who has been ordered to stay away from the school.

He has an Aug. 10 preliminary hearing in Pima County Superior Court.