FROM STAFF REPORTS

OAKLAND — Two brothers, 12 and 16, who used to attend Sobrante Park Elementary School, have been charged with an arson fire last week that heavily damaged an art classroom at the school, police said Thursday.

The youths, whose names were not released, both admitted their involvement, Sgt. Barry Donelan said. Donelan, who interviewed the boys with Officer Jose Vazquez, said they tried to claim the fire was an accident, but police don't believe that, he said.

The youths have been charged with arson and vandalism, Deputy District Attorney Scott Swisher said Thursday. They are both still in custody and have a court hearing today.

The fire happened about 8 p.m. May 8 at a portable used for an art class and for storing art supplies at the school, which is at 470 El Paseo Drive. Fire officials estimated damage at more than $40,000.

Police arrested the brothers Tuesday based on information from a tipster. Police said they live near the school and used to go there. The older brother now attends Fremont High School and the younger brother is a student at Madison Middle School, police said.

Donelan said the younger boy told police he found the portable unlocked May 6 and took some colored marker pens. He said he found the portable unlocked again May 8 and took some more marker pens.

Donelan said after the boy left that night he told his older brother and they returned to the portable, this time

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throwing papers around inside. Donelan said the older brother told police he lit some paper on fire and let it fall to the floor where it ignited papers that had been strewn about. He claimed he put out the fire before leaving, but that apparently was not the case, police said.

Police arrested the younger sibling first at home and his brother later in the day at Fremont High. Donelan said some of the stolen colored marker pens were found in the younger boy's backpack.

The police investigation is continuing. Anyone with information is asked to call investigators at 510-238-3376.