GILBERT, Ariz. — Gilbert Police arrested two teenagers who allegedly set a barn on fire.
The barn is a complete loss, according to owner Jeni Jones. She said it only took minutes for a firework to send the structure up in flames.
“It was so scary. Like there was just so much smoke and like giant like fire it didn’t feel real," Lexi Jones said.
Lexi Jones said she and several of her friends were hanging out inside the barn on Wednesday night when a group of boys they knew showed up and allegedly started harassing her.
No one was expecting what happened next.
“What’s most upsetting is just the malicious intent. Like they knowingly shot a firework towards a building that had kids in it," Jeni Jones said.
Jeni Jones said the boys ran off before they realized the damage that was done.
“Honestly, I can’t even process that. I just can’t even think about that, because like I get sick to my stomach," Jenni Jones said.
Jones said she is thankful everyone made it out of the barn.
All of their belongings inside are charred.
“Sad. There’s just a lot of memories in here and like a lot of memorable stuff and irreplaceable stuff," Lexi Jones said.
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Gilbert Police said the teens are facing charges of arson of an occupied structure and endangerment.
Jeni Jones said her family knows the teens arrested and claimed more were involved.
She said the others are now sending threatening messages to anyone they think might snitch.
“The others are accomplices and I think until they’re caught, I feel like the retaliation is still going to happen," Jenni Jones said. "I think that’s what needs to get stopped because kids are afraid to speak up because when they do speak up, they’re getting threatened by these kids.”
A GoFundMe page was created to help the Jones family rebuild their barn. Anyone who wishes to donate can click here.
Gilbert Police are still investigating the incident.
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