Salt Lake Police examine a scene in Salt Lake Metropolis on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022. The not too long ago burglarized faculty is now properly on its option to recouping $12,000 in losses because of an outpouring of help from the group. Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret Information
A not too long ago burglarized elementary faculty is properly on its option to recouping $12,000 in losses because of an outpouring of help from the group.
Surveillance cameras captured video of a handful of what seems to be youngsters breaking into Esperanza Elementary College, 4956 W. 3500 South in West Valley Metropolis, earlier this month. The people shattered a glass window and took a pc, signed sports activities jerseys and various musical devices and gear.
The twin immersion faculty, with a pupil inhabitants of 99% Latino, is a haven for Hispanic tradition and humanities. It is residence to the state's solely youngsters's mariachi band, and about 40% of the scholars play a musical instrument.
Eulogio Alejandre, Esperanza's principal, stated he initially hesitated to publicize the incident. He modified his thoughts when college students, academics and different group members pushed for the varsity to go public.
"We by no means anticipated any of that. I truthfully can inform you my private curiosity on this entire factor is to assist these youngsters — as a result of they look like youngsters. I've video of the incident. They appear like they're youngsters. I hope that they get the assistance they should get heading in the right direction," the principal stated. "We by no means anticipated getting individuals to donate cash, to donate devices."
However that is precisely what's occurred. Thus far, the varsity has acquired $300 in donations in addition to what Alejandre stated have been quite a few presents to donate devices.
West Valley police detective Ardeni Prutina has been a part of these efforts. Prutina stated he all the time reads and rereads police reviews whereas investigating a case, however this one caught out.
"Each time I learn it, I get slightly bit extra mad. I imply a housebreaking sucks, however to burglarize a faculty the place little youngsters go to attempt to study mariachi struck a special nerve with me," he stated. "I am taking this one fairly private. Music was an enormous a part of my life rising up. So right here as a detective, I'll work it 'til the wheels fall off."
Whereas ready on different components of the investigation, Prutina started chilly calling sports activities groups and musical instrument sellers to attempt to get donations to switch a number of the stolen gadgets. Thus far, the Utah Jazz, Salt Lake Metropolis Stars and Salt Lake Bees have all donated jerseys — and Alejandre stated the Mexican Consulate of Salt Lake is coordinating a donated jersey from a group in Mexico Metropolis.
Prutina stated he cannot go into particulars for the reason that investigation is ongoing, however the case has fairly just a few leads. He inspired members of the general public to get the phrase out in regards to the case and to name the West Valley police nonemergency line at 801-840-4000 with any suggestions.
Alejandre, in the meantime, is hopeful the varsity will probably be well-prepared when college students return on Aug. 14.
"There isn't a doubt in my thoughts that the group has stepped up and helped us with issues that might have made it take slightly longer if we did not have the group's assist. However we will probably be higher than we anticipated, that there is not any doubt in my thoughts," he stated.
"Thank all people for supporting the varsity. We're simply hopeful and grateful for all of the help we have gotten," he added.
Extra details about Esperanza Elementary, together with a donation possibility, is accessible on the varsity’s web site.