Sheriff’s office investigating 3 juveniles suspected in July 4 incident

LYNN — The former Grover building in Lynn continues to be victim to breaking and entering.

On Wednesday, a fire was discovered inside the building, with three juveniles picked up by police. As of late Thursday, no charges had been issued, but the Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident.

The building, located at 65 Clarence Rhodes Road in Lynn, was also recently vandalized, with windows busted out, a door broken, beer bottles busted and fire extinguishers used. Law enforcement officials have not determined whether or not the recent incidents are related.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office Capt. Lowell Griffin said at 5:56 p.m. Wednesday, the Tryon Fire Department and mutual aid departments were dispatched to a report of smoke coming from the former Grover Industries building.

Griffin said firefighters found light smoke on the second floor of the building and minor damage on the second floor, but no active fire.

“As the fire officials arrived, they were advised by a witness that three juveniles had left the building shortly after the initial smoke was spotted,” Griffin said. “Tryon Police Officers were soon able to locate three juveniles in the area. The juveniles have been cooperative and admitted to involvement with the fire.”

Griffin said the juveniles entered the property and are believed to have set a fire, but the youth believed they had extinguished the blaze prior to leaving.

“The investigation has been turned over to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and is ongoing at this time,” Griffin said.

Griffin said one juvenile is 15 years old and two are 16 years old. Griffin also said while one juvenile is local, the other two were visiting from other areas.

Building owner Jerry Thomas said the fire department was able to put the fire out with only minor damage to the building this week.

“It could have been a major loss if it had gotten out of control,” Thomas said.

The vandalism occurred about a month ago, with Thomas saying it would cost thousands for repairs. Thomas is renovating the former manufacturing building and is trying to recruit a brewery to occupy the space, he said.