DeLand, FL - 3:47 PM 8/25/16 Update: Officials are valuing the damage at DeLand High School at more than $10,000. The damage at DeLand Middle School is still being sorted out, but it's not as extensive. Investigators have so far found damage to golf carts and a shed.
“I have contacted Greg Akin, the Chief Operating Officer with Volusia County Schools," said Police Chief Bill Ridgway. "His personnel are working in cooperation with our Detective Division on the two incidents that have occurred at DeLand High and Middle School over the past two days. I am confident that our detectives will identify the individuals that are responsible for carrying out these acts so that they can be held accountable. We are still investigating whether these two incidents are related. The DeLand Police Department is increasing overnight patrols at area schools and our detectives are following up on several investigative leads regarding these cases. I am asking any citizen who has information regarding these two senseless acts to contact the DeLand Police Department.”
Anyone with information should contact Lt. Pete Moon at 386-626-7421.
9 AM 8/25/16 Update: City officials reporting a break-in overnight at DeLand Middle School. Damage there reported not as serious as damage earlier this week at DeLand High School. No information yet on whether the two incidents are related. Golf carts on campus were vandalized and tools reported tossed onto the track at the school.
Earlier reporting follows: Widespread damage is being reported today at DeLand High School after the cafeteria manager discovered the vandalism at around 6 AM. Schools spokeswoman Nancy Wait says multiple buildings were hit and the crime, she says, will be a "high dollar amount".
Wait said glass in doors on interior hallways were shattered and a computer lab was targeted. About 200 students had to be moved to other areas of the school for classes affected by the damage and the police investigation. Classes are continuing at the school today.
Wait says schools have security cameras and video had been turned over the police.
DeLand High School has about 2500 students. The school is at 800 N. Hill Avenue.
Photos from Volusia County School District.
Graphic from Google Maps
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