Teens arrested after vandalizing Julian High School

JULIAN (CNS) – A trio of teens was allegedly caught spray painting graffiti over walls, doors and windows at Julian Union High School early Saturday, and sheriff’s officials suspect them of causing nearly $40,000 in damage in a spree of several cases of vandalism.

Deputies dispatched to the campus, on state Route 78 near Cape Horn Avenue, shortly after 2 a.m. They spotted two of the suspects, but they ran off, according to a sheriff’s report.

Dylan Hartung, 18, was arrested nearby, authorities said.

Deputies later pulled over a vehicle and arrested its driver and passenger, Michael Ludke, 19, and a 17-year-old who was not publicly identified. Sheriff’s officials said evidence connected to the vandalism was found in the vehicle.

Hartung, Ludke and the juvenile are facing charges of vandalism, burglary and conspiracy, authorities said. The older two were booked into county jail, and the minor into juvenile hall. ,p> Sheriff’s officials said the teens were also suspected in at least four previous vandalism incidents at the school. In one, the suspects allegedly sprayed fire extinguishers in classrooms and school buildings.