HAYS COUNTY, Texas — The Hays County Sheriff's Office arrested a man who they believe vandalized an elementary school in Buda on Friday.
Officials said that in the early morning hours of Aug. 10, the suspect forcibly entered the Carpenter Hill Elementary School campus, located in the 4400 block of FM 967, and caused extensive damage to the interior of the school.
According to the sheriff's office, suspect James Michael Kerr, 25, of Austin is believed to have caused damages estimated to be between $150,000 and $300,000. Officials said Kerr was identified through the help of surveillance footage.
Kerr was booked at the Hays County Jail on Monday. He is charged with criminal mischief, burglary of a building and arson.
The sheriff's office said this investigation is ongoing. Investigators have not determined a motive or if Kerr has a connection to the school. A bond was not set as of Monday afternoon.
A number of windows, computers, and copy machines, among other items, in the common areas of the campus were destroyed, according to Hays CISD. The suspect also discharged a fire extinguisher in the library and damaged an antique carrousel horse that decorated the library. No teacher classrooms were harmed.
“I can’t thank our law enforcement friends enough. The men and women in the Hays County Sheriff’s Office are always at the ready to assist our schools, employees, and students, at a moment’s notice and with any help we seek. They work tirelessly to keep us safe,” said Superintendent Dr. Eric Wright. “This case is no different. They have been on the job, investigating this vandalism incident non-stop since it happened. I am happy they have a suspect in custody. Now, we can being to seek justice and restitution.”