The younger brother of Parkland school shooter Nikolas Cruz was busted in Virginia after trying to break into three different schools, according to police.
Zachary Cruz, 24, was caught on security cameras at the schools “peering inside, indicating efforts to gain unauthorized access,” according to the Augusta County Sheriff’s Office.
He allegedly attempted to get into the Wilson Middle School, Wilson High School, and the Valley Career and Technical Center late on Jan. 25, and was arrested “without incident” last Tuesday.
The younger brother of the Florida school shooter — who massacred 17 people in 2018 — was charged with trespassing and released Thursday with a hearing set for May 1.
“I understand how troubling this situation has been for you, your families, and our community,” Sheriff Donald Smith told the schools’ families.
“The safety and security of all students, staff and community members are our top priorities. I want to assure you this matter is being taken very seriously.”
Smith said the schools had taken heightened security measures and that police are “monitoring any potential threats and staying in communication with school officials to ensure all necessary precautions are in place.”
Cruz’s brother Nikolas is serving life for massacring 14 students and three staffers at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, in February 2018, one of the deadliest mass shootings in US history.
