Home News Local News 15 juveniles charged in vandalism

15 juveniles charged in vandalism

Written by Chris Collins August 04, 2010 06:11 am

A Baker City Police investigation of vandalism at the former Churchill School building has led to the arrest of 15 juveniles ranging in age from 9 to 15.

The building at 3451 Broadway St. was entered multiple times between May 28 and June 25 by at least 20 juveniles who intentionally caused extensive damage inside the building, Police Chief Wyn Lohner said in a press release issued Tuesday.

Windows were broken, interior siding was damaged and graffiti was painted on the building, Lohner said.

Office equipment and interior doors also were damaged. The estimated cost to repair, replace and clean up the damage is $26,210.

The school, which was built in 1923, has stood vacant since the district closed it in 2002 to save money. It is owned by architect Jim Van Duyn and Pamela Van Duyn, a Baker City attorney. The Van Duyns bought the building from the Baker School District in 2006 for $205,000.

The couple successfully nominated it to the National Register of Historic Places in 2008 for distinguished architecture as the “work of a master,” architect Charles B. Miller. They plan to renovate the building in a way that will preserve its historic character.

“The vandalism at Churchill is disheartening,” the Van Duyns wrote in an e-mail to the Baker City Herald. “The damage was extensive but fortunately none of the historic features of the building were destroyed so for that we can be thankful.

“The police have been extremely responsive and diligent in their investigation. We are very grateful. We will work with them and the district attorney to hold the responsible parties accountable,” they wrote.

Officer Rand Weaver investigated the recent crimes and as of Tuesday had issued citations to 15 juveniles, Lohner said. Eight were charged with second-degree burglary, a Class C felony, and second-degree criminal mischief, a Class A misdemeanor. Seven others were charged only with second-degree criminal trespassing, a Class C misdemeanor.

Weaver expects to charge at least five other juveniles with similar crimes in connection with the vandalism, Lohner said.

A 15-year-old boy, three 13-year-old boys, a 12-year-old boy, two 11-year-old boys and a 9-year-old boy were cited and released on charges of burglary and criminal mischief.

Two 12-year-old girls, a 12-year-old boy and four 14-year-old boys have been cited and released on charges of criminal trespassing.