‘Witness' arrested in fire at FDR Park playground

Cops say Kevin Beattie was playing with fireworks at the playground the evening of the fire. See related slideshow at philly.com/fdrpark.
Cops say Kevin Beattie was playing with fireworks at the playground the evening of the fire. See related slideshow at philly.com/fdrpark.
By Jan Ransom and Daily News Staff Writer
Posted: June 26, 2012

AFTER SOMEONE torched the newly installed playground equipment at FDR Park in South Philly last week, a man came forward and said he saw two men running from the blaze.

That witness, Kevin Beattie, 26, of Camac Street near Ritner in South Philly, was arrested Friday and charged with arson, risking a catastrophe, unsworn falsifying and related offenses.

Mayor Nutter described the June 17 fire that ruined a metal jungle gym, wheelchair-accessible glider and recycled-rubber play surface as "an act of evil."

During a news conference Monday on a separate matter, he said, "we experienced a tragic act of vandalism that destroyed one of our city's safe places: a playground."

Deputy Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel said Beattie was playing with fireworks inside the playground that evening. Bethel said that Beattie also lit a plastic bag and paper in the playground, which caused the blaze, and that he was with another person who will not be charged.

The playground, which was completed in October for $306,000, was declared a total loss. Bethel said someone called 9-1-1, but it was unclear whether Beattie made the call.

The Philadelphia Eagles have pledged to contribute to rebuilding the playground, and City Councilman Kenyatta Johnson, whose district includes FDR Park, said he'd give $100,000 from his capital budget.

Beattie's preliminary arraignment is scheduled for July 10.

Contact Jan Ransom at 215-854-5218 or Ransomj@phillynews.com, or follow on Twitter @Jan_Ransom. Read her blog, PhillyClout.com.

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