7 juveniles accused of trespassing in vacant New Berlin school; "Somebody could get hurt in there"

NEW BERLIN -- New Berlin police say citations were issued to seven juveniles accused of trespassing at the vacant Prospect Hill School in New Berlin.

It happened around 2:00 a.m. Monday, August 29th.

Vacant Prospect Hill School in New Berlin

Police say they were notified by a concerned neighbor that several juveniles were seen running into the building.

Seven juveniles were located -- ranging in age from 15 to 17. Multiple citations were issued for trespassing and curfew. There was an arrest for possession of marijuana.

Vacant Prospect Hill School in New Berlin

Police say the school has been vacant for several years and presents hazards and dangers to those who go inside, not just from broken glass, etc. -- but potentially from asbestos and mold that exists within the building.

New Berlin Mayor David Ament

"It's dark. It's wet. It's messy. It's dangerous. Somebody could get hurt in there. Most of the ceiling tiles, the old asbestos ceiling tiles are not in the ceiling anymore. They're on the floor. They've been wet. It's more like mush. They had a fire going in there. They were doing graffiti up on the walls, up on the roof. They did find some marijuana. It was a violation there. All this stuff, at some point, you think you can get away with it. It's gonna escalate," New Berlin Mayor David Ament said.

The city recently required the owners to secure all openings with plywood and tamper resistant fasteners to minimize the ability of ghost hunters, thrill seekers, pot smokers, day trippers and adventure enthusiasts from entering, police said.

Vacant Prospect Hill School in New Berlin

Ament said there have been repeated incidents of trespassing and vandalism at the abandoned school.

"We've got people coming from out of town -- in fact, out of state, coming there. We're spending a lot of time out there. Police resources. Our inspection services. Legal costs," Ament said.

Vacant Prospect Hill School in New Berlin

Police say the building is posted no trespassing and anyone found on the property will be cited or arrested.

Vacant Prospect Hill School in New Berlin

Meanwhile, as the response costs mount, the New Berlin city attorney tells FOX6 News efforts to contact the ownership, a limited liability company named Prospect Hill II and hold it responsible for what the city is spending have been unsuccessful. He said a nuisance lawsuit has been filed.

Vacant Prospect Hill School in New Berlin