ARLINGTON, MA (WBZ-AM) -- Police in Arlington have identified more than a dozen students they say vandalized Arlington High School and painted it with hate-filled graffiti.
A week-long investigation by Police and school officials they say has identified 14 male students accused of breaking into the school, vandalizing it, and leaving it with hate filled graffiti.
The incident which happened during the overnight hours of May 2nd has galvanized the Arlington High community.
According to Police and School officials, they say several fire extinguishers had been used and damaged, and there was damage to vending machines, display cases, and an emergency defibrillator inside the school.
Spray paint was also used inside and outside of the school. A swastika and anti-gay slurs were painted outside of the building.
The students will face discipline by the Arlington Public Schools in addition the police department says their investigation remains ongoing.
"This is a serious situation, and it requires a holistic and deliberative approach to find the correct solution that addresses the wrong and repairs the breach to the community," Police Chief Fredrick Ryan said through a release. "This is an incident that has been taken seriously by our officers from the start."
"These actions represent a terrible breach of the peace and harmony we seek to instill as a welcoming, tolerant, and safe community. Whether these students intended to or not, their words and actions are hateful and hurtful, and we must respond appropriately," said Kathleen Bodie, Arlington Public School Superintendent.
WBZ NewsRadio1030's Kendall Buhl reports.