Police arrest two in predawn break-in at local school

LAKEWOOD – Police arrested two men and are looking for a third suspect in Tuesday’s predawn burglary and vandalism at Stein Elementary School.

Jeffco School District security officers responding to a burglar alarm at Stein about 3 a.m. summoned Lakewood police after they spotted intruders inside the school at 80 S. Teller Street.

Several Lakewood officers and a K9 team were sent to the scene and established a perimeter line around the building and watched as lights were turned on and off inside the school and heard noises as the intruders moved around the building, leaving a what school district spokeswoman said was “damage through the entire school including classrooms, offices, library and hallways.”

Two suspects soon emerged from the school and confronted by police. The suspects fled on foot. Police gave chase and took two suspects into custody a few blocks from the school. They were identified as Lee David Abeyta, 18, and Elvis Blackelk Vigil, also 18.

Both were Abeyta were booked at the Lakewood Police Department, then transported to Jefferson County Jail on suspicion of second and third degree burglary, second degree trespass, criminal mischief and conspiracy to commit a felony. All the potential charges are felonies and investigators said additional charges are likely as the investigation progresses.

LPD spokesman Steve Davis said police are looking for a third suspect, but did not identify him.

The school district estimates damages at Stein to be in excess of damage estimates to $20,000. The damage includes broken windows and classroom doors, profane graffiti on the walls of the main office, papers and desks tossed around and computers knocked off tables. The school’s safe had been found dragged out in to the hallway.

Abeyta and Vigil were booked at the Lakewood Police Department and then transferred to the Jefferson County Jail. They face charges of second- and third-degree burglary, second-degree trespass, criminal mischief and conspiracy to commit a felony, all of which are felony charges. Additional charges are likely as the investigation continues.

Jeffco schools are closed for Spring Break.