11 teens accused of breaking into abandoned Woonsocket school
A group of teens were arrested on Sunday night after police say they broke into the former Woonsocket Middle School.
Residents living near the property report frequent activity at the school, saying both teenagers and adults regularly enter and exit the building.
Neighbors tell NBC 10 News that they often see big groups of kids trying to enter the building.
"These kids come all the time with backpacks. They're trying to break the doors, they get the doors open, they try to climb the stairs in the back where the old boat is," said one resident.
Police responded Sunday night after a neighbor reported seeing flashlights in the building. Officers say the teens exited the school in smaller groups until everyone was out.
In total, 11 individuals were taken into custody. They were identified as Dylan Bard, Mason Bright, Bailey Bromley, Kayden Dessert, Jacob Dohring, Ryan Ellis, Gavin Moore, Daniel Mosher, Kyle Naughton, George Perrault and Emma Powers.
Some neighbors believe the teens enter the building to party, citing the number of people involved, while others downplayed the activity as kids just exploring.
The teenagers told Woonsocket Police they entered the building to explore. The building has also gained attention online, with members of Reddit communities describing the property as a destination for ghost hunting.
City leaders say they are aware of the on-going break ins at the property and continue to hold the building's owner responsible for securing it.
"I don't want anybody unfortunately getting hurt or something worse in a vacant building, so we're going to monitor it to make sure owners are doing what they're supposed to do," said Woonsocket Mayor Christopher Beauchamp.
The Goldman Group is in charge of the property and has been in touch with the mayor's office to handle repairs.
Still, residents are concerned the repeated trespassing poses a safety and security risk to the neighborhood.
City officials say the situation will continue to be monitored to ensure the property owners comply.
Meanwhile, redevelopment plans are in the early stages but the Mayor Beauchamp says housing is expected to eventually take over the site.
