Three teenage boys were arrested Friday night in connection with a burglary earlier this month at Lakeside High School after two suspects apparently had a change of heart and returned the stolen property.
The suspects, ages 15, 16, and 17, all from Hot Springs, were taken into custody at different times Friday, with the 16-year-old arrested at his residence around 6:45 p.m., the 17-year-old arrested in downtown Hot Springs shortly before 8 p.m. and the 15-year-old arrested at the police department.
All three were charged with theft of property more than $5,000 and commercial burglary, both felonies punishable by up to 10 years in prison, and were held without bond pending an appearance in Garland County Juvenile Court on Aug. 8.
The Sentinel-Record follows The Associated Press privacy policies and does not publish the names of juvenile offenders unless they are charged as adults.
According to the affidavit, on July 19, around 9 p.m., four teens reportedly entered the Lakeside High School building, located at 2871 Malvern Ave., through an unlocked rear door. Three of the teens were later identified as students when school officials reviewed security footage of the incident.
It was noted the suspects attempted to shut off the cameras by turning off the district server.
The suspects entered the building and checked each room, taking food out of the cafeteria, including candy and pudding, and numerous cameras, video equipment and packages of batteries out of the new digital broadcasting classroom.
It was noted the suspects were finally seen leaving the building around 1 a.m. Saturday with the total amount of property taken estimated at $5,138.
Last Thursday, a school administrator contacted Hot Springs police to report that sometime during the night two unknown suspects were seen returning the stolen items to the school along with a note.
The note reportedly stated, "We are sorry. Here are all the things we took. Again. Seriously sorry. Here is our share."
Local on 07/29/2014