The Starkville Police Department is looking for one juvenile and has another in custody in connection with two break-ins at Armstrong Middle School.
The SPD arrested a 15-year-old black male Monday involved in the break-ins, which occurred on Aug. 12 and Aug. 17. On Aug. 17, the two boys stole a 32-inch LCD TV from a classroom. SPD is looking for the second male, a tall, black teenager with dark skin.
SPD Lt. Troy Outlaw, head of investigations, said they haven”t been able to identify the second black male in surveillance camera footage from Armstrong. Officials would not confirm if the identified teen is an SSD student. However, Outlaw said an SSD school resource officer was able to identify one of the arrested trespassers on the Aug. 12 surveillance footage.
The second break-in occurred at approximately 2 a.m., though the SPD isn”t sure how the teens got in the building. Outlaw said they could have entered through a cracked window or an open door.
The teen who was arrested has been released to his parents and will have appear before Youth Court Judge Paula Drungole, though a date hasn”t been set.
Anyone with information regarding the investigation can call the SPD at 662-323-4134.
“The break-in on the 12th happened and nothing was taken so no one knew someone broke in — they just got an alarm call that morning,” Outlaw said. “I guess they were staking the place out to see what they can get.”
SSD Spokeswoman Nicole Thomas said the district would not comment on the matter but is cooperating with the investigation.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 32 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.