Thirteen year-old burglars captured

Flagler County School Resource Deputy Eric Kuleski reported to Historic City News that three area students were arrested yesterday on a felony charge of burglary and a misdemeanor charge of criminal mischief after a weekend break-in.

School officials at Buddy Taylor Middle School on Belle Terre Parkway reported that a school maintenance office was entered through an unlocked door late Saturday evening.

Once inside, the young burglars made a pot of coffee, ate pudding and proceeded to break light bulbs. A video recording was made of the youngsters walking in and around the school that night.

The students charged are:

Brendan King, 13, 1100 Madison Green, Palm Coast
Michael Menear, 13, 10 Prosperity Lane, Palm Coast
Joshua Kaplan, 12, of 8 Prairie Lane, Palm Coast

Deputies reported that Saturday night around 9:45 p.m., the trio decided to hang out around the school. They loitered around the dock at the south end of the school, then headed toward the gymnasium — trying all the exterior doors on their way.

The maintenance door was unlocked, according to the report.

All three were arrested and released to their parents at the direction of the Division of Youth Services.

“Parental supervision is vital to keeping our youngsters on track,” said Sheriff Donald W. Fleming. “Schools will be closing for summer vacation this week and parents need to know where they children are — and what they are doing.”