Teen arrested after ‘disturbing’ graffiti, burned shed found at Maryland elementary school

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. (7News) — A 16-year-old boy has been arrested in connection with vandalism at an elementary school in Bethesda, Maryland, where graffiti referencing a previous school shooting was found over the weekend.

The Montgomery County Department of Police (MCPD) said officers were called around 2 p.m. April 11 to Bradley Hills Elementary School, where the graffiti of the perpetrator of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting was found.

Authorities said a burned shed found on school property is tied to a separate arson incident about a week earlier, which is being investigated by the Montgomery County Fire Marshal’s Office.

On Wednesday, 7News was on the scene when police and fire investigators searched the teenage boy’s home. Several boxes and cans of spray paint were seen being removed from the resident.

According to police, plainclothes and unmarked patrols have been increased around the school, including during school hours and overnight.

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More Community Engagement Officers have also been assigned to the campus, working alongside Montgomery County Public Schools to enhance security.

County Executive Marc Elrich called the incidents “deeply concerning” and urged the public not to spread unverified information online.

“Sharing unconfirmed details can create unnecessary fear and confusion,” Elrich said in a statement, encouraging residents to report tips directly to police instead of social media.

Police say more information about the arrest will be released. The case is being investigated by the department’s Threat Assessment & Behavioral Solutions Unit.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the police or submit anonymous tips through Crime Solvers. Rewards may be offered for information leading to an arrest.