3 arrested in Burgettstown High School vandalism; $100K in damage reported

BURGETTSTOWN, Pa. — Authorities used surveillance video to help identify three burglars accused of breaking into and vandalizing Burgettstown High School Thursday and Friday morning.

Police said a 19-year-old and 2 juveniles, who were all wearing bandanas, broke into the school by smashing a window in the kitchen just before 2 a.m. Thursday. The surveillance video shows the three holding hatchets and crowbars stolen from shop class.

Police said former student, Ronald Boyer, was arraigned on burglary, criminal trespass and theft charges Monday night. Investigators said two juveniles are expected to face similar charges.

Once inside the school, the vandals first pried open two cash registers in the cafeteria and knocked over the monitors.

On the first night, the group broke open a soda machine and stole bottled soda.

“The pop machine is in our main hallway and we believe it was broken into on the first night,” Superintendent Deborah Jackson said.

The burglars then moved through the school smashing glass, windows and trophy cases. Police said they also damaged computers, offices and supplies throughout the school.

“It’s a very significant amount of damage,” Jackson said.

Investigators said the vandals also tried to break into the school’s safe.

“They cut a hole in the vault to try and get inside,” Jackson said. “They were probably looking for money or valuables.”

Investigators said over $100,000 in damage was reported.

Jackson said school officials aren’t sure if these three are responsible for the other two break-ins at the school since December.

Police said the only thing the vandals got away with were backpacks full of bottled soda.

WPXI