UPDATED: Austin Man Charged For Carpenter Hill Elementary School Vandalism

The Hays County Sheriff’s Office launched a subsequent investigation and was able to identify the suspect through surveillance footage obtained from the school…

During the early morning hours of August 10, 2018, an unidentified male forcibly entered the Carpenter Hill Elementary School located in the 4400 block of FM 967 in Buda, Texas, and caused extensive damage to the school.

The damage is estimated to be between $150,000.00 and $300,000.00 dollars

The Hays County Sheriff’s Office launched a subsequent investigation and was able to identify the suspect through surveillance footage obtained from the school.

The suspect is identified as:

James Michael Kerr, 25 years of age, Austin resident

Charges:

• Criminal Mischief : Felony 2
• Arson: Felony 2
• Burglary of a Building: State Jail Felony

The investigation is ongoing as investigators have not yet determined a motive or specific connection to the school. As of the time of this release, no bonds have been set for the charges.

Hays CISD released the following statement regarding the incident,

“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 begin to seek justice and restitution.”