Police say man found inside Southern High School with a sledge hammer

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- School officials say two men broke into Southern High School early Wednesday morning.

According to Louisville Metro Police, it happened shortly before 3 a.m. at the school, near the corner of Preston Hwy. and High School Drive.

"The Louisville police 7th division was called to Southern High School early this morning on a motion detector alarm inside the school," says Dwight Mitchell, with LMPD.

Louisville Metro Police say Kenneth Vance was inside the school and triggered the alarm. "When officers arrived they did find a vehicle outside the school...occupied by an individual."

Police say that individual was Austin Casey. He was the alleged lookout man according to police. "Apparently they had broken into the school and vandalized some of the vending machines inside."

Casey was questioned and admitted there was someone inside the school. "A perimeter was set up around the school along with our K-9 unit as well and thus these individuals were captured and charged."

Right now the suspects are locked up at Metro Corrections in connection with that break-in at Southern High School, but police suspect there are even more schools.

In addition to Southern High School, the men are suspected of breaking into schools in Bullitt County as well. And now facing several charges as a result.

"They're charged with burglary 3rd, criminal mischief 1st and possession of marijuana."