By Evan Johnson
ROCHESTER—Police say they caught the man responsible for breaking into the Rochester School and another residence this weekend. On Sunday, May 7, state police from the Royalton Barracks responded to a report of a break-in on Kirby Drive. Upon arriving, they discovered the suspect, identified as Rochester resident John Waters, had left the scene and was located at the nearby Rochester School. Investigation revealed Waters broke a window and gained access to the school’s welding shop and second grade classroom and removed several items. He was taken into custody and transported to Gifford Medical Center in Rutland for a mental health evaluation. He was scheduled to appear in Windsor Superior Court Criminal Division on Monday, May 8, to answer to the charge of unlawful trespass.
Rochester Principal Dani Stamm sent an email, phone call, and note home to parents and guardians of students, detailing the school’s response to the break-in. Staff completed a sweep of the halls, checked all access points, doorknobs, floors and walls before students returned to school on Monday.
“I am here to assure everyone that safety and cleanliness is, and always has been, a top priority for our students and staff,” Stamm said in the correspondence.
