Home News 

Story

Police: Man Had Beers, Smashed $50K Worth Of School Computers

Posted: 9:15 pm EDT October 28, 2009Updated: 9:43 am EDT October 29, 2009

A Westmoreland County middle school is cleaning up after someone broke in and caused $50,000 in damage.

Police said Michael Smarra, 24, broke into Penn Township Middle School and caused the damage.

Police said Smarra cut himself breaking glass and left a trail of blood in the hallways.

Custodians said they heard the man smashing computers at about 2:30 a.m. and called police who arrested him after a short chase.

Investigators said Smarra admitted to having six to eight drinks but had no real explanation for his destructive rampage.

"As far as a reasoning or rhyme for this happening, we have no idea," said Sgt. John Otto of the Penn Township Police Department. "We can't tie him to the school and or particular incident that would lead us to believe this was any type of retaliatory act."

In all, 30 computers were smashed, police said.

Smarra is charged with burglary, vandalism, trespassing and criminal mischief.

He's being held in the Westmoreland County Jail on $50,000 bond.

More News Headlines

Irresistible