Police increase presence at elementary school after acts of vandalism

GRETNA, Va. (WDBJ) - Gretna Elementary School has been the target of vandalism three times within a month.

Last month, someone spray-painted obscene pictures on the elementary school. Last week, the school was targeted again, but this time a classroom was broken into and more paint was added on two separate nights.

During the second vandalism, two officers on patrol spotted someone climbing out a window, but lost him in the woods.

“We are doing our absolute best to put an end to this and locate the person and make an arrest,” said Chief John Hewitt with the Gretna Police Department. “The schools are safe. All the schools have SROs in them. We keep an eye on them.”

The Chief of the Gretna Police Department believes one person may be responsible for all damage.

He says they have increased police presence there at night and during the school day.

“We’ve increased our patrols and been more visible at nighttime. We’ve been out there at night walking the perimeter of the school to make sure that nothing else has happened,” added Chief Hewitt.

Chief Hewitt says the vandal managed to avoid every security camera.

Superintendent Mark Jones says they’re working to get more cameras outside the school.

“We want to reassure our parents that we’re doing everything that we can to keep our children safe," said Dr. Mark Jones, Pittsylvania County Public Schools Superintendent. “I hope parents realize that the kids are in good hands. Those staff members, are very caring and very well trained.”

The damages total over $60,000 with broken computers, smartboards, and flooding in one classroom due to a rag in a sink.

Parents expressed frustrations on social media over not being notified by the school until after the third incident. The superintendent says notifying parents is not typical protocol after a vandalism.

“In this case, we decided that we would after the third incident because of some concern in the community. Sometimes when we make announcements, they may raise too much concern, and we just need for the next day of class to go on for students. We need for our students to feel safe and secure,” said Dr. Jones.

Chief Hewitt says the investigation is ongoing in partnership with the Pittsylvania County Sheriff’s Office.

The only description they are able to share about the vandal is the person was wearing dark clothing.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Gretna Police Department or the Pittsylvania County Sheriff’s Office.