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Teen Charged With Vandalizing High School

A 17-year-old was arrested early Friday after authorities found extensive vandalism at Douglas Byrd Senior High School.

Posted Updated
Allen Pittman
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — A 17-year-old was arrested early Friday after authorities found extensive vandalism at Douglas Byrd Senior High School.

Allen Pittman, of 1417 Ireland Drive, is charged with breaking and entering of a school, larceny after breaking and entering, possession of stolen goods, breaking and entering of a school bus, attempted larceny of a school bus, breaking and entering of a coin or vending machine and misdemeanor larceny.

Cumberland County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to a burglar alarm at Byrd High at about 4:30 a.m. Friday and arrested Pittman on the adjoining campus of Douglas Byrd Middle School after a short chase, authorities said.

Investigators said Pittman entered the school through an unsecured band room door. Surveillance video from the high school shows a teen roaming through the school and breaking windows, furniture and computers. He also was seen hosing down a science lab with the contents of a fire extinguisher, authorities said.

Pittman told sheriff's deputies he had been drinking and smoking marijuana prior to the alleged incident.

He was in the Cumberland County Detention Center Friday afternoon under an $8,000 secured bond. His first court appearance was scheduled for June 4.

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