Three men were arrested early Jan. 17 after breaking into the vacant St. Mary’s Academy in Monroe, Michigan, according to CBS News Detroit. Police were called around 4:50 a.m. to the former Catholic girls’ school, a more than 260,000-square-foot property that has been vacant since 2003.
Police set up a perimeter and found three Monroe residents, ages 20, 28, and 30, hiding in the building’s attic after nearly an hour-long search. The Monroe Public Safety Department said the men are expected to face breaking charges and remain in custody pending review by the Monroe County Prosecutor’s Office.
Intrigue, according to the suspects, was spurred by the thrill of the illicit exploration and the promise of a scenic vista from the building's zenith. "During the investigation, one suspect stated the group entered the building because they thought it would be 'fun' and wanted a scenic view from the top floor," the police report disclosed, as mentioned by CBS News Detroit.
Police said the building’s owners, the IHM Sisters, are working with authorities to improve security as renovations continue. The Monroe Police Department thanked the owners for their cooperation and urged the public to report suspicious activity.
“If anyone has information pertaining to this case, please contact the Monroe Police at (734) 243-7500,” the department said in a Monroe Public Safety Department City of Monroe, MI's Post.
