Florida Teens Charged After Vandalizing Elementary School

Two teenagers from Florida are facing serious charges, including robbery and criminal mischief, following an incident at an elementary school in Deltona. The boys, aged 12 and 13, reportedly broke into the media center at Friendship Elementary School, resulting in extensive damage estimated at over $50,000.

According to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office (VCSO), deputies responded to a fire alarm over the weekend and found the glass door shattered and the media center in disarray. A body camera video captured chaotic scenes inside, showing an open cabinet and overturned furniture, suggesting a clear disturbance. Further posts from VCSO included a photograph of the two suspects, although they remained unidentified at that time.

The boys mentioned they were simply “bored,” and it was noted they had also returned later in the evening, causing even more havoc after initially breaking in. Besides the felony charges already discussed, they now also face charges of trespassing and theft.

Surveillance cameras caught footage of their activities, and Sheriff Mike Chitwood noted that social media played a role in identifying the teens. “I don’t know who these two are, but the tips kept coming in,” he said. Interestingly, their mothers were proactive, informing the authorities without the boys’ knowledge. When confronted, the teens admitted to their actions, with one even bringing back stolen items, including a radio and some digital cameras, to the deputies.