By ANDREA POTEET
Sunday Times Newspapers
RIVERVIEW – A $2,000 reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest in conjunction with the vandalism of an elementary school.
Huntington Elementary School, 17752 Kennebec, was flooded sometime between Nov. 12 and 15 when a garden hose was rerouted into one of the classrooms through an air-conditioning vent and turned it on from the outside.
The water apparently had run most of the night and damaged the wood floor of the gymnasium and ruined two classroom carpets, as well as computer cords. Police Detective Sgt. Rosanne Wooliver said the damage is estimated at about $50,000.
She said the reward was offered because of the severe extent of the damage to the school.
“I believe they had to replace the gym floor as well as other flooring nearby,” Wooliver said.
The reward is offered through Crime Stoppers, but the school district added funds to the total amount to attempt to find the vandals faster, she said.
The damage caused suspension of classes that day and the district cut off water to the outside spigots of all its schools.
There are no suspects yet in the flooding. Wooliver said the incident is unusual for the area.
Those with information regarding the vandalization are asked to call 1-800-SPEAKUP, or 1-800-773-2587, text message “CSM” to CRIMES, 274637, or visit www.1800speakup.org.
Tipsters will not be required to testify or give their names.