MIDVALE, Utah, Oct. 28, 2024 (Gephardt Daily) — Charging documents reveal details in the arrest of Christopher Frances Mandarino, 53, taken into custody Monday afternoon following the early morning attempted arson of Midvalley Elementary School.
Unified Police officers and Unified Fire investigators were dispatched to the school, at 217 E. 7800 South in Midvale, at about 2:40 a.m. Monday.
“Upon arrival officers observed the large main power box had been lit on fire and the power had been disrupted to the school,” Mandarino’s affidavit says. “A Canyon School District Security Officer arrived and provided security video showing the suspect later identified as Christopher Mandarino arrive on scene in a red Hyundai with Oregon plates.”
The recording allegedly shows Mandarino walking around the school on the north, “where he attempted to gain entry into the school and looked at two power boxes next to the door,” the statement says.
“Christopher moved from the door to several other side doors and then walked over to the large green main power box. After looking over the power box, Christopher walked back to his vehicle where he retrieved an axe and went back to the power box to try and pry it open.
“Christopher was unsuccessful at prying the power box open and returned to his vehicle to get a drill and returned to the power box where he drilled several small holes in the top. After drilling the holes in the power box Christopher leaves in the vehicle and returns a short time later in the vehicle.
“Christopher gets out of the vehicle with what appears to be a metal can and walks over to the power box. He leaves the can on the power box lights the ground around the box and box on fire. After lighting the power box on fire Christopher leaves the area in the listed vehicle.”
Mandarino was located driving the vehicle on the recording early Monday afternoon, the statement says.
“Officers made a traffic stop with the vehicle. Christopher exited the vehicle and was very confrontational with officers. When officers gave Christopher commands to turn away and place his hands behind his back he began to actively resist and would not comply with officers.
“Christopher was searched incident to arrest and a handgun was located in his front right pocket. Christopher is a convicted restricted felon.”
Mandarino also had a 9-year-old relative in his car.
“She told officers Christopher had packed a suitcase for her and told her they were going to visit family and she would be in the vehicle for a long time.” The girl told officers “she did not know any of his family and was uncomfortable with leaving with him.”
Mandinaro was jailed for investigation of:
- Attempted arson — property damage of $5,000 or more, a second-degree felony
- Attempted possession of a dangerous weapon by a restricted person, a second-degree felony
- Attempted interference with peace officer, a class B misdemeanor
He was ordered held without bail in the Salt Lake County jail system.
Students at Midvalley Elementary School were assigned remote learning on Monday, but are expected to be back in their classrooms Tuesday.
