WATERTOWN, S.D.(KXLG)- On October 14th, 2024, the Watertown Police Department received a report from Watertown High School about a break-in involving significant vandalism and theft. Three individuals were reported climbing onto the school roof, entering the building through a skylight, spray-painting graffiti, and stealing a school-owned vehicle.

The stolen vehicle was recovered in the 600 block of Kemp Avenue East later that same afternoon. Officers arrested 18-year-old Billy Jones from Watertown, who was found to possess the stolen vehicle keys. Jones was charged with Grand Theft of a Motor Vehicle, Intentional Damage to Property, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Driving without a Valid License. He was held at the Codington County Detention Center and later released. An additional charge of Third Degree Burglary is also being referred for Jones.

Over time, the investigation identified two additional suspects: a 16-year-old male and a 17-year-old male from Watertown. The juvenile suspects were interviewed at the Watertown Police Department and later arrested for Third Degree Burglary and Intentional Damage to Property. Both were booked into the Codington County Detention Center and then released to a parent.

The damage to the high school, including the skylight and spray-paint vandalism, is estimated at $5,500.

The Watertown Police Department continues investigating the incident and encourages anyone with information to contact local authorities.