Four teens were recently arrested in connection with a cross burning incident that was directed toward a 14-year-old biracial girl.

Benjamin Charlie Greene and Brandon Kersley, both of Waynesville, and Matthew Wyatt Mitchell, of Clyde, all 17, were arrested for the crime that occurred May 4, said Haywood County Sheriff’s Office Det. James Marsh. The fourth suspect is a juvenile whose name cannot be released.

The four conspired to burn a cross in the yard of a private home in Clyde where the girl was spending the night with some friends.

Marsh said the act was planned and the teens met up to commit the crime.

The boys soaked a T-shirt in gasoline, wrapped it around a homemade plywood cross and placed it upright in the yard where they set it on fire.

They were charged with placing a cross on ...