Boy Held After Fire That Killed 10 Horses Is Freed

BURTON, Mich. (WWJ/AP) - A 16-year-old boy arrested in connection with a suspicious barn fire near Flint that killed 10 horses has been released.

The Flint Journal reports that the Genesee County prosecutor's office dismissed a petition by police in Burton seeking animal cruelty and arson charges. It was reported that the boy might be charged as an adult in the case -- but he was released Tuesday, pending further investigation.

The fire started the morning of Feb. 20 at the Midnite Sun Training Center, about 50 miles northwest of Detroit. The boy was taken into custody the next day.

Authorities have said the building's electrical power had been cut, and the owner said no heaters were in use. Three horses outside the barn survived.

Meanwhile, a vigil is planned in memory of the horses, scheduled to begin 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, at Burton Fire No. 2, 1320 S. Belsay Road.

Fire officials said there have been other fires at the center within the last month.

(TM and © Copyright 2013 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2013 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)