50+ students gained access through window to vandalize high school, police say

CHARLOTTE — More than 50 students, who caused damage inside Mallard Creek High School Monday night, were able to gain access through an unsecured classroom window on the first floor, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department said.

Surveillance camera footage monitored through the Real-Time Crime Center helped police identify several students in the “premeditated event,” police said.

Someone had unlocked the window in an empty classroom earlier in the day.

Later, students returned to campus and got into the empty classroom between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. They remained hidden until about 9 p.m. After the sun went down, that was when the vandals ran through the halls vandalizing the school.

Custodians spent hours picking up balloons, confetti, while cleaning markings from the walls.

Charges include misdemeanor breaking and entering and damage to property.

Many of the students were seniors and may not be able to attend graduation, police said.

CMPD urges parents to keep an eye on their children and wants to remind students these are serious crimes.

Reporter Almiya White talked to Mallard Creek parents Tuesday morning who were shocked to see the damage.

“I would consider it a bad act,” Maya Shenhav said.

Another parent who has a son at the school said he blames social media for the act.

“I was just reading about the vandalism at Union County High School the other day,” he said. “You know, I think that it’s inappropriate.”

The school sent a message to parents late Tuesday night, saying vandalism had been discovered on multiple floors.

Read the full statement below:

Good evening Mallard Creek families,

This is Principal Turner with an important message. Yesterday evening, acts of vandalism were discovered at our school including damage on multiple floors. Law enforcement has been contacted and is actively investigating to identify those responsible for the incident.

Please remind your students that those who participate in acts of vandalism to, or on school property, are in violation of the CMS Code of Student Conduct and will be disciplined accordingly, including the potential for criminal changes.

We do not anticipate any delays to the start of school, and the instructional day will proceed as normal. Thank you for your support and partnership of Mallard Creek High School.

BREAKING: @CMPD and @CharMeckSchools officials are currently inside Mallard Creek HS investigating “reports of vandalism.” I’m hearing the damage is significant. CMS spokesperson says they are not sure who might be responsible. @wsoctv pic.twitter.com/j4J35m6G6E

— Jonathan Lowe (@JonathanUpdates) May 23, 2023

A voice came over the school intercom to inform everyone not to clean up or touch anything because it was a crime scene.

Parents hope those responsible are found soon.

“Hopefully these young people who perpetrated this incident will face consequences,” Shenhav said. “Was it a student or was it someone from outside of the school?”

The investigation is ongoing, according to CMS. School started on time Tuesday.

VIDEO: Senior prank at high school in Union County caused tens of thousands in damage

Senior prank at high school in Union County caused tens of thousands in damage