Two boys, ages 12 and 9, are being held responsible for causing $300,000 worth of damage to 26 classrooms, the library, and the office on July 16 in the Landisville (Pa.) Primary Center. The older boy has been charged with burglary and vandalism by police; the other is too young to be charged.
In a spree that lasted several hours, the pair used a baseball bat and hammer to smash computers, televisions, phones, windows, and video recorders. Library stacks were overturned and paint, glue, and bleach were thrown on furniture and supplies, according to the July 17 Lancaster New Era.
A passerby caught the two boys as they left the scene. Hempfield School District administrators will urge the school board to take civil action against the parents and will consider taking disciplinary action against the boys.
Posted July 24, 2000.