More vandalism at Larson Heights

Estimated damage of latest incident unknown

MOSES LAKE — The Grant County Sheriff's Office released a statement Monday about another incident of vandalism at Larson Heights Elementary in Moses Lake that took place early Friday morning.

Several broken windows, room numbers taken off doors and walls, torn window screens and one location where an entry had been attempted were found by Moses Lake School District maintenance workers.

One of the challenges in catching those responsible is trying to have surveillance equipment "at the right place at the right time," said MLSD Special Assistant to the Superintendent P.J. De Benedetti. "Nothing is a guarantee you're going to catch anybody doing it."

In the past there have been portable surveillance cameras at North Elementary, but not yet at Larson.

De Benedetti said the district needs to consider putting those cameras in at Larson as well as having security personnel on hand to work in the evenings during summer.

The released statement said that recently several juveniles were caught and charged with such vandalism at the school and their charges deferred by the juvenile court.

So far, vandalism to schools in the district have totaled more than $25,000.

The sheriff's office continues to encourage citizens, who live near schools, to help by reporting suspicious activity to (509) 762-1160 or 911 if it appears damage is occurring.

"We're trying to figure out what we can do to deter them," he said.

— Staff report