Gardner-Edgerton High School (GEHS) was vandalized in the early morning of February 26th, 2017. Gardner Police Department patrol officers investigated the damages done to the school. Upon arrival, the department officers met with USD 231 employees, who reported a forced entry into the school and damages to the premises. Officers found significant vandalism throughout the school. Detectives followed up various leads that they received in the past twenty-four hours through social media and the TIPS hotline, and continue to examine evidence collected at the crime scene.

[b]Jim Pruetting[/b], [b]Gardner Police Chief[/b] said, “We have received around two dozen tips on the possible identity of the suspects and we’re following up on those leads now. We ask that residents continue to send in any information that may be relevant to this crime.”

Police report that one of the suspects has suffered injuries, most likely a laceration to the forearm or hand, which likely resulted from breaking glass in the building. Blood was found at the crime scene. The citizens of Gardner are requested to share any information related to the vandalism or the suspects.

Due to the damages, USD 231 cancelled classes for the following Monday, for cleanup and repair, but students returned the next day.