By Aubree Amback / Staff writer and Karlye Garard / Staff writer
NPHS was robbed by three people, one of which was suspected to be carrying a potential firearm. They went from classroom to classroom looking for iPads and loose cash to steal.
The robbers did not have a van or bags prior to entering the building through the EMT room window. They left with a bag from the same room they came from full of the items they stole.
Staff members didn’t know that there was a break in from Sept. 10 at 10 p.m. to Sept. 11 at 1 a.m. until the next morning.
“I’ve always wanted to be at a school where I can leave my door open… So initially my first thought was, ‘did they get in here and did they take anything?’” Principal James Voelz said.
On Friday, Sept. 12, even though increased law enforcement was placed on school grounds, some students decided to stay home. They feared something would happen involving the criminals and the firearm.
“I keep saying that I was disappointed, but I just can’t believe that someone is in our school with a possible firearm. … As soon as we found that out I called more police and the superintendent and then from that point until 11 p.m. to 12 a.m. that night with police, with dogs. They brought in specialized dogs from different communities,” Voelz said.
“My mom felt nervous and I felt nervous that since there was no information about anything out yet, then I might as well stay home and be safe,” senior Jude Gibbs said.
Parents were afraid that the burglars were students here at the school. They feared that their children were in danger if that was the case.
“If it was a kid that went here, [my mom] was afraid they could still easily come in,” sophomore Georgia Overton said.
Students are also concerned about the precautions the school is taking to ensure the safety of the students.
Gibbs believes that if something bad happens, the school should send out as much information as possible so that the students and parents can stay informed on what is happening.
Overton thinks that the reason people reacted the way they did is because of the chaos of all that happened that week, such as the Charlie Kirk shooting and the Evergreen High School school shooting in Colorado.
If this or something worse were to happen to the school, students and parents would react with more caution.
“The school would probably take higher precautions and my mom would most definitely keep me home again, and I think more parents would also pull their kids from class.” Overton said
“I think there will be a greater, more outraged reaction from parents and students. I mean, when you would think that if something like that would happen, the school would do more to actually help secure the building, but if they don’t that would be bad for the integrity of the school.” Gibbs said.
This information is accurate as of Sept. 19. If you recognize the burglars or have any information, please call the police at 317-861-4225 or email wwhitaker@newpalestine.in.gov.
