Police Seek Man Who Broke into School

are asking for help in identifying a man who broke into earlier this month and made off with more than $2,000 in cash and merchandise.

The incident occurred March 18 while the school was closed for mid-winter break.

According to police, the unidentified black man entered the school near the administrative office and made his way through several of the offices.

The thief was able to take more than $350 in cash, including $300 from a cash drawer and $50 from a money bag, both located in the office of Athletic Director Thomas DeSana. In addition, the thief also took a jar of loose change from the office of one of the physical education teachers.

Along with taking the cash, the thief also made off with nearly $2,000 in electronic and other equipment, including a Palm Pilot, several iPods and a Sony digital camera. Also reported stolen was an American flag and an ice cream scoop valued at $5.

The suspect is described as being in his mid- to late-20s, approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing about 180 pounds. He also reportedly has a high forehead or a receding hairline.

According to Detective Jerry Yoscovits, the man was in the school long enough to gain access to several different offices and locker rooms. Upon leaving the school, he walked north toward Oak Street.

Yoscovits said police are still trying to determine how the man was able to gain access to the school while the district was on a four-day break, from March 18-21.

“That’s something we’re still trying to determine,” Yoscovits said. “We’re not sure if he had a key or was able to gain access through an unsecured door.”

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Yoscovits at 734-324-4433.