5 Students Booked for School Vandalism

Five Sunny Hills High School students were arrested in connection with two break-ins at the Fullerton school that resulted in $50,000 in damages, including more than 100 broken windows, smashed computers and stolen furniture.

The five youths, ranging in age from 15 to 17, have been booked into Orange County Juvenile Hall on criminal conspiracy, burglary and felony vandalism charges, said Fullerton Police Sgt. Joe Klein. One student also has been charged with possession of stolen property.

Two are Fullerton residents and three live in Buena Park. The first arrest was last week; the last occurred Thursday.

“These were ‘average’ students,” Klein said. “There’s nothing that would indicate they were prone to that type of activity . . . no indication of any motive.”

Vandals first broke into the high school, known for its outstanding academic programs, early Jan. 8, destroying property in the classrooms, the cafeteria and locker room, Klein said. They also stole audiovisual equipment, food from the cafeteria and furniture from the teachers’ lounge, he said.

The second break-in occurred Jan. 29, when vandals broke more than 100 windows at the school and damaged several computers, the auto shop, cafeteria and library, police said. Also stolen were audiovisual equipment, petty cash and food items. Evidence left during the second incident led to the arrests, Klein said.

Window repairs cost about $7,000, employee overtime $6,000 and replacement of damaged or stolen equipment about $37,000, said George Giokaris, the district’s assistant to the superintendent.

Fullerton Joint Union High School District officials have not decided how they will recoup the costs. According to the state education code, the students’ parents are responsible for up to $10,000 in property damages, Giokaris said. Civil codes limit parent liability to $25,000, Giokaris said.

Juvenile court authorities can also set restitution for damages, Klein said. District officials hope to work with juvenile court authorities to require those convicted to pay for the damage, Giokaris said.