Suspect sought in Waiakea Elementary break-in

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A 15-year-old Hilo boy has been arrested and charged with burglary and other property offenses following two incidents that occurred Wednesday at two different schools in Hilo.

A family member of the juvenile turned him in Thursday at the Hilo Police Station after identifying the teenager in video surveillance footage that had been posted on social media.

The incidents happened early Wednesday morning at Waiakea Elementary School and Waiakea Intermediate School.

Police said two individuals were observed on video surveillance breaking a glass window and entering the administration office at Waiakea Elementary.

The two individuals allegedly removed several items from the office and caused damage when they sprayed the contents of two fire extinguishers, which were later determined to have been stolen from a shed on the Waiakea Intermediate campus.

The teen was charged second-degree burglary, second-degree criminal property damage, fourth-degree criminal property damage, and two counts of fourth-degree theft.

The juvenile was placed in the custody of the state and put in a Family Intervention Services home in Hilo.

The identity of the second culprit is unknown, and anyone with information is encouraged to call Detective Kelsey Kobayashi at (808) 961-8883, or at email address kelsey.kobayashi@hawaiicounty.gov.

Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call the islandwide Crime Stoppers number at 961-8300 and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.