Students and parents in Poway were shocked and dismayed Sunday when they heard their school was vandalized over the weekend.
Windows in four Poway High School classrooms were smashed with the use of fire extinguishers. In addition, 29 cars had smashed windows, were spray painted or squirted with a fire extinguisher. Some were actually moved from the auto shop onto the quad. The inside of one classroom was also damaged.
“They went in and squirted hand lotion on a computer key board, overturned file cabinets,” Sgt. Greg Rylaarsdam said.
Rylaarsdam thinks the vandalism took place around 1:30 a.m. Saturday and said the vandals turned at least one surveillance camera away so no one could detect them.
“It could be Poway students, it could be students from outside the area, it could be non students, anyone at this point,” he said.
“Oh don't do that, we want to show it off, we like our school,” Poway student Victoria Fosdick said.
Students and parents were surprised, and frankly --- mad.
“Those individuals have too much time on their hands,” parent Dave Salzer said.
“I think that's awful. They have just redone the school, it’s so beautiful,” parent Karri Roberts said.
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Windows were boarded up Sunday. The damaged cars were back inside the auto shop. Fire residue could still be seen on many of the vehicles -- a sad reminder for students returning to school Monday. One student had a message for those responsible.
“I think you should try to turn yourself in, I know the cops will go easier on you if you do, versus them finding you out,” Natasha Salzer said. “Maybe think about what you do before you do it next time.”
Investigators won't know if anything was stolen until Monday when teachers can take a look at their classrooms. They're asking students to notify an officer on campus if they have any information.
