Students Arrested on Suspicion of Vandalizing Warner Springs High School

WARNER SPRINGS, CA: The San Diego Sheriff's Department announced Tuesday that arrests have been made in connection with severe vandalism of Warner Springs High School that forced a one-week closure of the K-12 campus in northern San Diego County

Four students of the school — three males and one female, all 16 and 17 years old — are suspected of defacing the state Route 79 campus, sheriff's Sgt. Carlos Medina said in a news release.

"Some of the defacement included broken windows, graffiti and fire extinguisher material discharged inside the buildings," Medina said. "Repairs and restoration costs are estimated at more than $40,000."

The vandalism allegedly occurred between Sunday, May 1, and Tuesday, May 3, when a school maintenance worker discovered the damage, according to Medina.

The school resource deputy assigned to the campus, as well as other deputy sheriffs, arrested the students believed to be responsible for the damage on Monday. The students, whose identities were not released because they are minors, were booked into Juvenile Hall on suspicion of felony vandalism, the sergeant said.

The Warner Unified School District, which serves roughly 300 students from the Santa Ysabel and Los Coyotes reservations, reopened the campus Monday. According to an update posted on the district's website, many parents and community members offered to help with campus clean-up; however, due to the nature of the damage and debris, a professional cleaning company was hired.

"We really appreciate the offers of help from everyone ... The entire staff is touched by your support and outreach, and it gives us great comfort during this difficult time," the statement read. "We are discussing options with the San Diego County Office of Education regarding make-up days or a possible waiver from the state. We will keep you posted of our progress."

(Photos courtesy of San Diego County Sheriff's Department)