Three Appalachian State University students were arrested in connection with a fire at the old Watauga High School last Wednesday.

Officers arrested sophomore appropriate technology major Matthew Redmond, sophomore political science major John Leader and sophomore management major Zion Greenfield, after they were found in a car in the parking lot of old Watauga High School.

The Watauga County Sheriff’s Department and the Boone Police Department responded to a call at 400 High School Drive to investigate a report of a fire at the old high school around 7 p.m., according to the Watauga County Sheriff’s Department.

Law enforcement investigated a larger fire last Tuesday at the same building.

The arrests occurred without incident.

“I feel that we have been scapegoated so that the police will have suspects for the fires,” Greenfield said. “We were in the wrong place at the wrong time. We’re good students with jobs.”

Greenfield also said sheriffs damaged his vehicle during their search.

Leader was charged with one count of arson and one count of breaking and entering. Greenfield and Redmond were charged with one count each of breaking and entering, and burning of public buildings, according to the police report.

Police would not release more information on the arson as the investigation is still ongoing.

“The first fire reported on Feb. 14, 2012 is still under investigation and revealing any description could jeopardize that investigation,” Captain Dee Dee Rominger of the Watauga County Sheriff’s Department said.

Each suspect was held on $25,000 bond and released on Feb 15. Their court dates were set for April 17.

Story: MADISON FISLER, Intern News Reporter