A drug-affected man has been arrested for vandalizing Wodonga Senior Secondary College in a shocking incident that unfolded just after midnight on December 2. The man, in his 20s, was caught on security cameras violently smashing six to eight windows at the Brockley Street campus, even using his head to break the glass.
Security guards alerted authorities after witnessing the chaos, prompting a swift response from the Wodonga Police. The man sustained severe injuries during the rampage, leaving him bloodied and requiring immediate medical attention. He was transported to a local hospital, where he remains under care as of Tuesday morning.
Executive principal Vern Hilditch detailed the aftermath, reporting extensive damage throughout the campus. “There’s blood and broken glass everywhere,” he stated, emphasizing the randomness of the attack. “Nothing appears to have been taken. He must have cut himself quite badly.” Hilditch noted that the incident was particularly concerning for schools, which often face such threats.
Local officials confirmed that the man is known to police and is expected to face charges of burglary and other offenses upon his release from the hospital. “I’ve been around long enough; we get these incidents from time to time,” Hilditch added. “Schools are a soft target, and whether it’s theft or vandalism, it’s always a problem.”
Fortunately, the incident occurred while students were attending a swimming carnival, so classes will not be impacted. The scene has since been cleared of debris, but the emotional toll of the event lingers, particularly given the recent fire at Deniliquin high school, which saw two youths charged.
As authorities continue their investigation, community members are left to grapple with the unsettling reality that local schools remain vulnerable to such violent outbursts. The Wodonga Police are urging anyone with additional information about the incident to come forward as they work to ensure safety in the area.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
