Three Teens Arrested for Lee’s Summit School Burglaries

LEE’S SUMMIT, Mo. — Police in Lee’s Summit say that three teens are in custody in connection to the burglary of two elementary schools on Tuesday morning.

Jonathan R. Wood, 17, Thomas E. Petrucci, 18, and Ryan W. McCarthy, 18, were each charged with one count of second-degree burglary in Jackson County Court.

According to prosecutors, officers responded to an alarm at the Westview Elementary School in the 200 block of NW Ward Road during the early morning hours on Tuesday. Upon arrival, officers noticed an open door and three suspects running from the school – the first suspect was taken into custody after a brief foot chase, while the other two were arrested a short time later.

Sgt. Chris Depue says Westview was the second school the trio robbed.

“We’ve had school burglaries before, it was always computers, electronics, things you would typically think of,” said Depue. “In this case it was food and arts and craft supplies.”

Police say the boys stole milk, soda, chips and school supplies.

Tyler Barnes, 18, is now a former roommate of one the suspects, 18-year-old Thomas Petrucci. He says he knew the trio was up to no good.

“They had crow bar and gloves and I heard the word ‘school’ and I thought, oh great,” said Barnes.

The three suspects are awaiting trial. There is no word on bond.