At least six violins donated to John Burroughs Elementary School, worth a combined $5,000, were stolen overnight after a masked suspect climbed over a gate, broke into the building and then smashed through another door to reach the classroom where the instruments were stored, according to D.C. police. The break-in happened in the early morning hours, and now investigators are asking the public for help tracking down whoever did it.
According to FOX 5 DC, D.C. police say the suspect climbed over a gate to get onto the school property before breaking in. Once inside, the suspect destroyed more property to gain entry into the classroom where the violins were kept, per police. FOX 5 DC's report, citing D.C. police, places the school in the 900 block of Newton Street, Northeast, Washington, D.C., though a separate police account of the incident describes the location as the 1900 block of Newton Street, Northeast — a discrepancy that has not been resolved.
A release attributed to the Metropolitan Police Department states that the break-in occurred on November 2 at approximately 1:18 a.m., with the suspect destroying property to gain entry to the school before destroying more property to get into the classroom where the violins were stolen. The incident was reported around 1:15 a.m. that same day. Surveillance images reviewed by investigators showed the suspect wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt, a mask and Crocs, FOX 5 DC reports.
Staff Reaction and the Hunt for a Suspect
Staff members at the school said they were outraged by the burglary, according to the station's report. D.C. police have asked the community to help find the man accused of stealing the violins, which had been donated to the school.
A separate report from WUSA9 confirms that police are looking for a person they say stole the violins from John Burroughs Elementary School. Investigators have not publicly identified a suspect.
Reward Offered, Tip Line Open
A reward of up to $1,000 is being offered for information leading to an arrest and conviction in the case. Anyone with information is urged to contact D.C. police by calling 202-727-9099 or by texting 50411.
