Police have detained several teenagers accused of breaking into a former Arcadia school campus, causing thousands of dollars in damage.
Two 16-year-old boys and 18-year-old Blake Eldredge were arrested for the alleged crimes. Police are still searching for a fourth suspect.
According to authorities, four people broke into the now-closed Echo Canyon School, which is located near 62nd Street and Camelback Road, approximately 5 p.m. on October 9. The Scottsdale Unified School District chose to close the school last year, but it is still used for community activities and district equipment storage.
Police said the suspects broke into various buildings and rooms over several days, stealing and destroying computer equipment and other goods. Scottsdale Unified reported $230,000 in stolen or damaged computer hardware and an additional $51,000 in property damage.
Phoenix police say they linked the crimes to the “urban exploring” social media fad, in which people enter homes or properties that appear to be abandoned and report their findings online.
On October 30, Phoenix police searched a north Scottsdale home, apprehended two suspects, and acquired evidence related to the incident. Eldredge, one of those arrested, reportedly admitted to taking part in the thefts and provided officials with information regarding the third suspect and the location of further stolen stuff.
Investigators discovered the third suspect in Mesa, along with further evidence.
Eldredge was arrested on various felony charges, and the two teenage boys were released to their parents. Police filed charges with the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, which will determine whether to prosecute.
The fourth suspect has not yet been located or recognized.
“This investigation demonstrates the value of collaboration between law enforcement agencies and school officials.” The collaboration resulted in the identification of those responsible, the recovery of stolen property, and accountability for all parties involved,” Phoenix police stated in a statement.
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