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North Jackson High School burglarized, vandalized

By Barbara Czura – bio | email

Stevenson, AL (WAFF) - A 20-year-old man is arrested for breaking into and burglarizing a Jackson County High School.

Investigators said he was caught driving a stolen ATV with thousands of dollars worth of stolen property in it.  

North Jackson High School Principal Sam Houston said the suspect took the Gator, loaded it down with the stuff he was stealing and drove down Hwy. 277.

The Jackson County Sheriff's office released a picture showing the loaded down John Deere Gator that a Bridgeport Police Officer spotted early Tuesday morning.

Police said 20-year-old Danny Earl Lawson, Junior was behind the wheel.

Principal Houston said thousands of dollars worth of property was stolen from the Ag. building.

Several saws, a computer, monitor, electrical equipment and personal items were all taken.

Houston said it was equipment used to teach several agricultural classes.

"When you take something from us, you take from them, because that takes something away that they might learn how to do," Houston said. 

Investigators said Lawson also vandalized some property inside the school, like a vending machine.

Investigators said it's thousands of dollars worth of damage all for $10 in change.

The Jackson County Sheriff's Office is still investigating the theft.

"We're extremely fortunate that we got them back and extremely happy that we recovered everything with nothing broke in working order," said Houston. 

Houston said they are increasing security measures at the high school so something like this doesn't happen again.

Lawson remains in the Jackson County Jail.

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