A vandalism rampage inside a Riverside school where a variety of items were also stolen led to an investigation netting three arrests, authorities said Friday.
“Our hope is for the impending consequences these youth will receive through the juvenile justice system are swift and meaningful,” Riverside police Chief Larry Gonzalez said. “This type of destructive behavior from our young people cannot go unpunished.”
Two 13-year-old boys and a 12-year-old boy, whose identities were withheld due to their ages, were booked into Riverside Juvenile Hall last week on suspicion of felony vandalism and burglary following an investigation by detectives from the police department’s Property Crimes Unit and school resource officers assigned to the Riverside Unified School District.
Riverside police Officer Ryan Railsback alleged the boys broke into Taft Elementary School on Mission Grove Parkway in the predawn hours of Feb. 16.
“Five classrooms and the administration office were found to have sustained significant damage that included broken windows, paint splattered on walls and carpets, water damage, broken electronic office equipment and the rooms were left ransacked, in total disarray,” Railsback said. “Numerous classroom items purchased and owned by teachers, school supplies and band equipment were also stolen.”
The vandals caused tens of thousands of dollars in damage, he said.
Within a week, the three juveniles were identified by investigators, culminating in search warrants being served at their families’ residences.
“Along with evidence corroborating the suspects’ involvement in the crimes, most of the property stolen from the school was located during the searches,” Railsback said.
It was unknown whether other youths may have been involved or had foreknowledge of the break-in.
“Vandalism is a violation of our commitment to live in community with one another,” RUSD Superintendent Renee Hill said. “It strikes at the very core of our shared values and unity. We extend heartfelt appreciation to the Riverside Police Department and our Taft community for their rapid response and consistent support as we strengthen our resolve to safeguard our schools and each other.”
Anyone with information was asked to contact the Property Crimes Unit at 951-353-7952.