Two Boys, 12 and 13, Cause $50,000 in Damage to Florida School Library, Identified After Moms Alert Police

Two boys, aged 12 and 13, caused about $50,000 in damage to the library at Friendship Elementary School in Deltona, Florida. The trouble started when they entered the school during the day and returned at night to vandalize further.

Police responded around 1 a.m. after a fire alarm went off and found a broken glass door, overturned furniture, and books scattered across the library. At first, authorities did not know who was responsible, but surveillance photos posted online generated tips, including calls from the boys’ own mothers.

When questioned, both admitted their actions. One of the boys returned stolen items, including a radio and cameras. The two now face charges of burglary, trespassing, criminal mischief, and theft. Their acts caused major damage and disruption to the school, but the cooperation of their mothers helped police quickly identify and apprehend them, bringing the case to a resolution and underscoring the consequences of such destructive behavior.