5 Students Arrested in Vandalism at School

Five Sunny Hills High School students were arrested in connection with two break-ins at the school that resulted in $50,000 in damage, including 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 has also been charged with possession of stolen property.

Two of the students live in Fullerton and three in Buena Park.

“These were quote-unquote average students,” Klein said. “There’s nothing that would indicate that they were prone to that type of activity . . . no indication of any motive of why they would do this.”

Vandals first broke into the high school, known for its outstanding academic programs, early on 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 further damaged several computers, the auto shop, cafeteria and library, police said. Audiovisual equipment, petty cash and food were also stolen. 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 yet decided how they will recoup damage 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 parents’ liability to $25,000, Giokaris added.