The incident, which involved breaking in, overturning furniture, scattering books, and spraying graffiti, has left the community shocked and the school facing a hefty repair bill. Identified as 12-year-old Felix Cohen Romero and 13-year-old Bentley Ryan Wehrly, the boys confessed to the act after their mothers recognized them from surveillance footage and turned them in to authorities.

This case highlights issues of juvenile vandalism, school security, and parental responsibility in Volusia County. With damages exceeding $50,000, local officials are calling for accountability while emphasizing the need for community vigilance to prevent similar occurrences.

Key Details of the Deltona School Vandalism Incident

• Suspects and Ages: 12-year-old Felix Cohen Romero and 13-year-old Bentley Ryan Wehrly.
• Location: Friendship Elementary School library (media center) in Deltona, Florida.
• Date of Incident: September 14-15, 2025.
• Damage Estimate: Over $50,000, including structural repairs, furniture replacement, and book restoration.
• How It Unfolded: The boys broke in during the day, returned at night, and triggered a fire alarm, alerting deputies.
• Arrest Process: Mothers identified sons from released video footage and contacted the Volusia Sheriff's Office.
• Charges: Burglary, trespassing, criminal mischief, and theft, handled in juvenile court.

Parents and educators searching for ways to address youth mischief can learn from this event, which underscores the importance of supervision and open communication.

Why This Vandalism Case Matters for School Safety in Florida

School vandalism incidents like this one at Friendship Elementary raise concerns about after-hours security in public schools. In Volusia County, where educational resources are vital for young students, the destruction of a library—a key learning hub—disrupts daily operations and affects the entire community. Local leaders, including Deltona's mayor, have publicly condemned the act and stressed that parents play a crucial role in preventing such behavior.

If you're a parent in Florida dealing with similar issues, consider resources from Volusia County Schools for guidance on youth development and school safety tips.

In a shocking turn of events that has rocked the quiet community of Deltona, Florida, two young boys were arrested for causing over $50,000 in damages to the Friendship Elementary School library. The alleged perpetrators, 12-year-old Felix Cohen Romero and 13-year-old Bentley Ryan Wehrly, confessed to the outrageous vandalism after their own mothers turned them in, sparking discussions on juvenile crime, school security, and parental accountability in Volusia County.

This Deltona school vandalism incident unfolded over the weekend of September 14-15, 2025, leaving the media center—a vital resource for elementary students—in disarray. From shattered glass doors to overturned furniture and graffiti-covered walls, the damage has prompted a community-wide response and calls for stronger preventive measures in Florida schools.

What Happened During the Friendship Elementary Library Vandalism

The chaos began when Volusia Sheriff's deputies responded to a fire alarm at Friendship Elementary School around 1 a.m. on September 15, 2025. Upon arrival, they discovered a scene straight out of a nightmare: a broken glass door serving as the entry point for intruders who had rampaged through the library. Books were thrown across the floor, tables and chairs were smashed or flipped, and walls and doors were defaced with graffiti.

Surveillance footage captured the entire ordeal, showing the two boys initially breaking in during daytime hours on September 14. Masked and one wearing a distinctive Monster Energy drink hat, they began their destructive spree before leaving and returning later that night to escalate the vandalism. Their actions ultimately set off the fire alarm, drawing law enforcement to the scene.

Bodycam videos from the deputies illustrate the extent of the destruction, with officers carefully navigating the debris while ensuring no one remained inside. This Florida elementary school vandalism case quickly gained attention as the sheriff's office released the footage online, urging the public to help identify the suspects.

How the Suspects Were Identified and Arrested in Deltona

The power of community involvement shone through in this case. After the Volusia Sheriff's Office shared surveillance videos on social media platforms like Facebook and X (formerly Twitter), tips poured in. In a remarkable display of responsibility, the boys' mothers recognized their sons in the footage and immediately contacted authorities.

Felix Cohen Romero, 12, and Bentley Ryan Wehrly, 13, were arrested shortly after. They confessed to the acts during questioning, providing a swift resolution to the investigation. The sheriff publicly praised the mothers, noting their actions ensured the "bad seeds" would face consequences. This parental intervention has been highlighted as a key factor in addressing juvenile vandalism in Florida.

While some media outlets opted not to name the minors to protect their privacy, the sheriff's office released their full names and mugshots, fueling debates on how juvenile cases should be handled publicly.

The Impact of the Vandalism on Friendship Elementary and Volusia County

The financial toll is staggering, with initial estimates from local officials placing damages at over $30,000, later updated to exceed $50,000. This includes costs for repairing the shattered door and windows, replacing damaged furniture and shelves, restoring or replacing ruined books and supplies, and cleaning up graffiti and debris.

For Friendship Elementary, part of the Volusia County Schools district, the incident disrupts learning for young students who rely on the library for educational resources. In a state where book-related policies have been contentious, the destruction of a school library carries added symbolism, though officials believe this was an act of reckless mischief rather than targeted protest.

Community leaders, including Deltona's Mayor Santiago Avila Jr., have voiced strong disapproval. In a social media post, the mayor called the vandalism "unacceptable and inexcusable," urging full support for law enforcement and emphasizing that parents must be held accountable. Local news coverage has echoed these sentiments, stressing the role of public vigilance in solving such crimes.

Charges and Legal Proceedings for the Juvenile Vandals

Each boy faces multiple charges in the juvenile justice system:

• Two counts of burglary
• Two counts of trespassing on school grounds
• One count of criminal mischief
• One count of theft

As minors, their cases will focus on rehabilitation alongside restitution, balancing accountability with opportunities for growth. This approach aligns with Florida's handling of juvenile offenses, aiming to prevent future incidents through education and support.

Broader Implications for School Security and Youth Behavior in Florida

This Deltona vandalism case spotlights vulnerabilities in school security, particularly outside regular hours. With many Florida schools facing similar risks, experts recommend enhanced surveillance, community watch programs, and parental involvement to deter juvenile mischief.

Psychological factors like peer pressure or lack of supervision may contribute to such acts, though no specific motives have been publicly shared. For parents searching for solutions, resources from Volusia County Schools and local organizations offer tips on fostering positive youth behavior and recognizing warning signs.

Incidents like this also prompt reflections on broader societal issues, such as youth disengagement in educational settings. While the damage is physical, the emotional impact on students, teachers, and families is profound, underscoring the need for resilient community responses.

Timeline of the Deltona School Vandalism Events

Breakdown of Estimated Damages at Friendship Elementary

As the juvenile court proceedings continue, the Friendship Elementary community focuses on recovery. Rebuilding the library will restore not just the physical space but also trust in school safety. For more insights on preventing vandalism in Florida schools, explore resources from Volusia County Schools at https://www.vcsedu.org/ or follow local news for updates.

This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of community cooperation in maintaining safe educational environments. If you're interested in similar stories or tips on youth safety, stay tuned for more Florida education news.