NITRO, W.Va. — Two recent incidents of vandalism at Nitro Elementary School have caused severe damage to the school’s playground.
According to Major Justin Raynes of the Nitro Police Department, the first incident involved picnic tables being marked up with graffiti and burned. The second incident involved somebody who took glass shelving which was stored nearby and smashed it on the basketball court.
“Unfortunately, vandalism is a pretty common occurrence in the summer and even during the school year. It definitely created issues and there’s definitely what I consider to be a large cost to the school,” Raynes said.
A post on social media from the school indicated middle school and high school students are being investigated for the crimes. Raynes could not comment on those reports saying the investigation is active, but he also noted detectives feel very strongly they have identified the suspect. It’s unclear when an arrest will be made.
Raynes said regardless, it’s disheartening to have such an even happen at the school.
“For the city and the school, we want people to use these spaces and enjoy them, but we also want people to take care of them for others who might be interested in using them,” he said.