Teen Wanted For Vandalizing SE OKC Early Education Center

Oklahoma City police said a teenager connected with multiple threats at two local schools is now wanted for vandalism.

Police said 18-year-old Zachariah Mills has caused the schools to go on lockout several times since September.

Mills is accused of throwing a large rock into the front windows of Educare in southeast Oklahoma City and causing about $1,200 in damage.

Officials at Oklahoma City Public Schools released photos of the suspect who is accused of terrorizing a student and staff at Cesar Chavez Elementary and Educare for months.

Investigators issued an arrest warrant for Mills last week. In the court paperwork, police said Mills rode his bicycle to Educare and attempted to get inside the school.

When a staff member asked him if everything was OK, Mills reportedly just stared at the man.

The staffer went back inside the school and that was when police said Mills threw the rock through the windows. He also reportedly had what appeared to be a gun in his waistband.

This was not the first time Mills has been seen with a weapon in the area. In September, police were called to Cesar Chavez when witnesses said Mills showed up with a machete and threatened students and staff.

“Shaking open doors trying to get in and when the teacher walked up to him, he decided to pull the knife out in front of all the kids,” said Khristina Covert, a witness. “My only thing was to jump out and get the kids away.”

Staff at Educare told investigators they wanted to press charges for the recent vandalism so Mills can finally get the mental health help he needs.

“If he does have some sort of mental health issue, then that definitely needs to be addressed,” said Aileen Mendoza, a concerned parent. “I don’t care what’s wrong with you. There’s no excuse to want to hurt someone else.”

The school district added armed security at the elementary and extra police patrols were added to keep an eye on Educare.