SANTA ROSA, CA — Police are investigating a burglary and vandalism case at a closed Santa Rosa school after about 5,000 feet of copper wire was believed to have been stolen from the campus.
Officers responded Wednesday to the closed Steele Lane Elementary School after staff reported damage to electrical systems, rooftop equipment and air conditioning units. Police estimated damage at $260,000, including $10,000 in damage to the school library, where books, furniture and electronic equipment were destroyed.
Staff reported seeing three people on campus that morning: two women and a man in a wheelchair. In a statement on social media Thursday, the Santa Rosa Police Department said they have not determined whether the vandalism is connected to the copper theft.
Anyone with information can call the Police Department's Property Crimes Investigations Team at 707-543-3575 or submit an anonymous tip at srcity.org/CrimeTips. A reward of up to $2,500 is available for information leading to the suspects' identification and arrest.
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