A pair of preteen boys have now been charged in last Thursday's fire at "Supermarket Row" on Sullivan Street: A massive blaze that gutted the structure, billowed smoke over downtown and closed city streets. On Friday morning, Kingsport police announced that the suspects, ages 11 and 12, had been scheduled for arraignment on June 2 in Sullivan County Juvenile Court. Each is charged with reckless burning and aggravated criminal trespassing. Due to their ages, names had not been released.
The boys were identified through a cooperative effort between Kingsport police detectives and the Kingsport Fire Department Fire Marshal's Office. Firefighters battled the blaze and smoldering remains for nearly 12 hours.