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Child faces misdemeanor charges for school vandalism

Published 1:30 am Wednesday, September 23, 2020

By Sequim Gazette staff

Sequim Police say after interviews, a 12-year-old admitted to vandalizing the exterior of Helen Haller Elementary and the Sequim School District’s concession stand. However, the child did not admit to vandalism inside one classroom at the school. Photo courtesy of Sequim Police Department
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Sequim Police say after interviews, a 12-year-old admitted to vandalizing the exterior of Helen Haller Elementary and the Sequim School District’s concession stand. However, the child did not admit to vandalism inside one classroom at the school. Photo courtesy of Sequim Police Department

Sequim Police say after interviews, a 12-year-old admitted to vandalizing the exterior of Helen Haller Elementary and the Sequim School District’s concession stand. However, the child did not admit to vandalism inside one classroom at the school. Photo courtesy of Sequim Police Department
Sequim Police say after interviews, a 12-year-old admitted to vandalizing the exterior of Helen Haller Elementary and the Sequim School District’s concession stand. However, the child did not admit to vandalism inside one classroom at the school. Photo courtesy of Sequim Police Department

A 12-year-old could face a misdemeanor charge of malicious mischief for allegedly vandalizing portions of Helen Haller Elementary and the Sequim School District’s concession stand.

Sometime between 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 2, and Thursday, 8 a.m. Sept. 3, an individual or individuals spray painted graffiti outside Helen Haller Elementary, 350 W. Fir St., inside one of its classrooms, and at the nearby ticket booth/concession stand at the Sequim School District’s athletic field.

Sgt. Mike Hill with the Sequim Police Department said charges are being referred to the Clallam County Prosecutor’s Office, and because damages cost less than $250 the child could be charged with malicious mischief in the third degree.

Hill said the alleged vandal admitted to doing the exterior graffiti but did not give a reason why. He did not admit to spray painting graffiti on a whiteboard inside a classroom.

Four 12-year-olds were interviewed about the incidents, Hill said.

Despite no signs of forced entry at the school, Hill said the prosecutor could still charge the minor with burglary after reviewing the case.

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