Teen brothers accused of breaking into Las Cruces school and causing over $1,000 in damage

LAS CRUCES, New Mexico -- Two teenager brothers have been arrested after they allegedly broke into Lynn Middle School over the weekend to burglarize and vandalize it, causing over $1,000 in damage.

The boys, ages 13 and 17, were charged with burglary, larceny and criminal damage to property. The pair were released to a parent's custody as juvenile probation officials determine how to further proceed.

Police contend the two teens broke a window about 5 a.m. Sunday to first gain entry into the school; they were spotted later in the day by a custodian who called police. The boys reportedly fled before police arrived, but officers said they were able to catch the pair and take them into custody.

"The boys are suspected of stealing food and damaging a vending machine along with clothing and a computer from at least one classroom," police spokesman Dan Trujillo said Monday. "Investigators also determined the boys gained entry and caused damage to classrooms and property within the school."

The total cost of the thefts and vandalism by the boys is expected to be "well more than $1,000," Trujillo added.