Six children, ages 10-12, are accused breaking into Walter Palmer Charter School, following the announcement that it would be closing.
Only two days after a charter announced it would close its middle school, a group of children broke into one of the two school buildings and stole several classroom items, according to police.
Six kids, between the ages of 10 and 12, allegedly broke into the Walter D. Palmer Leadership & Learning Partners Charter School building for preK through 4th grade students on 910 North 6th Street in Philadelphia Sunday. The children stole markers and other small items, police said. They were arrested after police were alerted via a 911 call and will be charged with trespassing.
None of the children were students at the school, according to investigators. Police told NBC10 they believe the kids may have heard about the school closing and thought they could steal items as a result.
Dr. Walter Palmer, the founder of the charter school, sent a letter to parents Friday announcing the middle school would close on Dec. 31, citing financial difficulties. Earlier in the year, the charter school also abruptly canceled its high school after the school district of Philadelphia fought to revoke its charter amid concerns about academic performance and financial stability.
The second Walter D. Palmer building on the 5500 block of Harbison Avenue was the campus for 5th through 12th grade students. Walter D. Palmer officials have not yet confirmed whether the elementary school for preK through 4th grade is also part of the closure.
