On Saturday November 11, 2017 at approximately 12:37 p.m. the Oskaloosa Police Department and Oskaloosa Fire Department were dispatched to 201 Trueblood Avenue at William Penn University in reference to a smoke report.

William Penn Security contacted the Mahaska County 911 Center and advised that the old upper basketball gymnasium was full of smoke. William Penn Security activated the smoke alarms and the building was evacuated.

Upon emergency services arrival at the scene it was discovered that a fire had been deliberately set in a return air vent located at the north east corner of the gymnasium. The fire was extinguished by emergency personnel and shortly thereafter persons were allowed to return into the building.

On Tuesday November 14, 2017 the Oskaloosa Police Department charged two twelve year old male juveniles from Oskaloosa with Arson in the Second Degree. Both juveniles have been referred to Juvenile Court Services as required by law.

Arson in the Second Degree is a class C felony punishable by up to ten years in a state penitentiary. At the time of this release the Oskaloosa Police Department has not received an estimate for damages from the Arson reported on November 11, 2017.

It should be noted a criminal charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.