Children arrested for vandalism
STAFF REPORTS Gulf Breeze News news@gulfbreezenews.com

Four children ages 11 and 12 recently vandalized a vacant home in Gulf Breeze, leaving all but one light fixture shattered and holes in the drywall throughout the house, according to the Santa Rosa County Sheriffs Office. On Sept. 21, four preteens were arrested for criminal mischief with damages exceeding $1,000 and burglary.

The vacant home is currently for sale off of Oriole Beach Rd. One youth reportedly told deputies that he had initially gone to the home to feed a stray cat, and had entered the home through a doggy door and unlocked the garage from the inside. Other youths later joined, entering through an unlocked window at which time they kicked in a closet door, set off firecrackers and smashed holes in the walls and broke light fixtures with a fireplace poker.

Lt. Chris Watson of the Santa Rosa Sheriff's Office said the felony charges will stand.

"Breaking and entering with the intent to commit a crime, even if there's only $5 in damages, is a felony burglary charge," Lt. Watson said.

Damage inside the home was estimated to be in excess of $5,000 by the Sheriffs Office and included burn marks from fireworks, destroyed fire detector and lighting fixtures, airsoft gun damage and a destroyed closet door, according to the arrest report. The incident was investigated by Det. Pete Blow who also later arrested the teens.