Four boys, including a 7-year-old, have been suspended from Leon County Schools and face expulsion after being arrested Monday on charges of felony burglary, criminal mischief and trespassing, district spokesman Chris Petley said.The boys, ages 7, 9, and two 12-year-olds, were seen on surveillance tapes after three classrooms were vandalized at Riley Elementary School at 1400 Indiana St., said Officer David McCranie, spokesman for the Tallahassee Police Department. Surveillance cameras are mounted in school hallways and around the perimeter.
McCranie said, “It is a little shocking to see a 7-year-old and a 9-year-old involved.” Petley said a committee will review Principal Karwynn Paul’s recommendation that the boys be expelled and then give a recommendation to the School Board. John Hunkiar, school district safety and security director, said there were more than four children involved in the crime. He said three others, including two girls, were also involved. McCranie said the three others are “persons of interest but there is not enough evidence to go forward with charges” on them. Three of the boys arrested were enrolled at Riley. The other 12-year-old attends an area middle school, Petley said. McCranie said police believe the boys destroyed 125 books. Chairs were used to smash overhead lighting, paint was poured on 15 computer monitors and keyboards, and paint was smeared throughout the rooms.
Police believe the boys caused about $50,000 in damage, McCranie said. Pictures were taken of the damage. However, they aren’t available to the public since the investigation is still pending, McCranie said. The boys were taken to the Juvenile Assessment Center and released to their guardians. They now face court. However the children will not face adult court, said Leon Circuit Judge Charles Dodson who presides over juvenile crime cases in the county. He said, “The rule is pretty clear. (The children) can’t be put in adult court until 14.” The boys entered the school Sunday through “doors that were unsecured which is not uncommon at a large facility — which is one of the reasons we check schools,” McCranie said.
