Arrests Made In DeLand High School Vandalism

Date Added: August 26, 2016 3:40 pm

Chris Graham
Community Information Specialist
grahamc@deland.org
Office: 386-626-7117
Cell: 386-872-0821
Release: 2016-38

ARRESTS MADE IN DELAND HIGH SCHOOL VANDALISM

They busted out doors and windows, smashed computer screens and even had a food fight in the cafeteria.

Wearing hooded sweatshirts, masks and gloves, Brandon Carver, 21, Timothy Campbell, 17 and Logan Dewey, 15, broke into DeLand High School and caused thousands of dollars in damage and thought they could get away with it, detectives say. But thanks to a keen ear of a DeLand police officer, authorities received a major lead that helped them solve the case.

“I am proud of the outstanding work by our detectives that led to the arrest of these individuals,” said Police Chief Bill Ridgway.

A day after the break-in at DeLand High School, DeLand Police Officer Ken Ramkissoon was dispatched to DeLand Middle School where a similar incident had occurred when he overheard a teacher talking about what one of their students said. Police later talked to the student who revealed Dewey as one of the suspects who carried out the high school vandalism as well as possible accomplices.

Later that day, police were dispatched to Ritter’s Pharmacy after reports of several suspicious males, who appeared be trying to break into cars. One of the males in an interview with police gave authorities several details regarding the high school vandalism and named Carver, Dewey and Campbell as suspects.

Later, Dewey and Campbell gave similar statements to police while also implicating Carver in the crime. All three were detained overnight. Carver, 21, was charged with criminal mischief, causing damage of more than $1,000 and burglary of a structure, both felonies. Dewey and Campbell face the same charges.

A fourth suspect is also facing charges.

According to the investigation, detectives believe the suspects used concrete blocks to break into the high school and smashed computers using hammers. The suspects also can be seen on surveillance footage throwing soda cans in the cafeteria. All told, damages could total close to $100,000.

Additionally, the suspects have not been charged in the middle school vandalism though detectives believe the two cases are related.