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Windows Broken, Computers Damaged In Penn Township School

Overnight Break-In Reported By Penn Middle School Janitor

POSTED: 1:08 pm EDT October 28, 2009
UPDATED: 5:58 pm EDT October 28, 2009

A vandal kicked in windows and damaged 30 computers at Penn Middle School in the Penn-Trafford School District early Wednesday morning.

Penn Township police told Channel 4 Action News' Jennifer Miele that a janitor was in the building and was able to call for help when someone broke in shortly after 2 a.m. Michael Smarra, 24, was arrested and charged.

"We do have a very good custodial staff at the district. They are on their toes," Sgt. John Otto said. "Last night, when they noticed something wasn't right, they did, in fact, call 911."

ONLY ON 4: See The Damage, Watch Jennifer Miele's Report

Smarra
Smarra

Police said Smarra, of Harrison City, told them he remembers trying to walk home after being at a bar with friends but doesn't remember kicking in windows, cutting his hands or being chased through the school.

"We did, in fact, push the actor out of the school, and some officers were able to follow a blood trail and pick up the track," Otto said.

Police said they found Smarra in a swampy area next to the school and captured him after he got stuck in the mud. He was taken to Westmoreland County Prison on charges of felony burglary, trespass and vandalism.

Since all of the damage was done on the school's bottom floor, students had their Wednesday classes on the top floor.

School officials said nothing was stolen and estimated the damage at around $50,000.




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