Three juveniles were arrested Tuesday at Newton Medical Center after allegedly stealing medical supplies from the building's unopened fourth floor.
The newly constructed fourth floor is furnished and operational but has yet to be opened to the public. The juveniles entered the area at approximately 3 p.m. and reportedly proceeded to steal several nonessential medical supplies. While on the floor, the juveniles also discharged three fire extinguishers which contained a chemical component that set off a fire alarm and alerted the Covington Fire Department of the possible fire.
Newton Medical Center security officers observed the three juveniles running from the fourth floor but were only able to apprehend the two oldest teens once they reached the first floor. Once in custody, the two juveniles reportedly said they were lost and needed to find their younger brother who was on the third floor. Security officers were then able to detain the third suspect on a different floor.
Covington Police officers and firefighters arrived on the scene in response to the tripped fire alarm and security officers turned the juveniles over to be taken to the Covington Police Department.
The youngsters were interviewed by Newton County Juvenile Justice and then transported to the juvenile detention center in Sandersville.
The three suspects were charged with interference with government property, theft by taking, criminal damage to property and false public alarm.
At the time of the CPD incident report, the amount of damage the suspects caused was unknown.