By Jorge Casuso

June 10, 2019 -- Five juveniles between the ages of 11 and 13 admitted to vandalizing sections of John Muir Elementary School after a video that captured their Saturday night rampage was posted online.

Four of the juveniles issued citations for vandalism by Santa Monica police were students at Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District schools.

The other was not from the area, District officials said ("Santa Monica School Site Trashed in Vandalism Spree," June 9, 2019).

Three of the juveniles also damaged the Will Rogers Learning Community in Sunset Park and Roosevelt Elementary School on Montana Avenue that same evening, officials said.

A quick response from the public led to identifying those responsible, said School District Superintendent Dr. Ben Drati.

"We appreciate the community response on this incident," Drati said in a statement issued Monday afternoon.

"Tips and leads including social media posts were reported to SMMUSD and SMPD, leading to the swift identification of all involved in these crimes," he said.

A video on Instagram disseminated on social media Monday showed the vandals at Muir setting off fire extinguishers and kicking furniture and books.

In a letter to parents and staff on Sunday, Drati said the vandalism included expelling numerous fire extinguishers; breaking windows; destroying furniture, technology and materials; dumping cans of paint on the exterior and flooding rooms by turning on the sinks.

Police and District officials are reviewing the Education Code and Penal Code, and "students will receive discipline and consequences as appropriate for these crimes," Drati said.

There is no evidence the juveniles were engaged in a hate crime, he said.

Under the California Welfare and Institutions code, the parent or guardian may be liable for the payment of restitution, fines or penalty assessments to the victim, in this case the School District.

"The school and police department will determine the next best course of action to take with the students," District officials said.

The fifth grade graduation was held at Muir Elementary Monday morning as scheduled, but several classes were moved for the final days of the school year.