Vandalism Closes Warner Springs High School

WARNER SPRINGS, CA: Vandalism that occurred overnight at Warner Springs High School in rural northeastern San Diego County was so extensive it prompted administrators to close the campus Tuesday.

San Diego Sheriff's deputies were alerted of the vandalism at 5:13 a.m. Tuesday by a school maintenance worker, Sgt. Carlos Medina said in a news release.

"The school maintenance worker arrived for work and discovered damage to several of the buildings, classrooms and offices," Medina said.

In addition to graffiti, windows were broken, furniture was toppled and a fire extinguisher had been discharged into the classrooms, according to the sergeant.

Medina said the damage was "extensive enough that school was canceled at least for the day" for campus clean-up and repairs, which are likely to cost the district several thousands of dollars.

The closure affected the entire school district complex, which includes kindergarten through 12th grade.

"We have had severe vandalism and crime investigators are on the scene," according to the Warner Unified School District, which serves roughly 300 students from the Santa Ysabel and Los Coyotes reservations.

The school resource deputy is investigating the vandalism, Medina said.

Anyone with information was urged to call San Diego County Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477. Tipsters can remain anonymous and may be eligible for up to a $1,000 reward for information leading to a felony arrest.

(Patch file photo)