The brother of Parkland school shooter Nicholas Cruz has been arrested after allegedly trying to break into three schools in Virginia.
Zachary Cruz, 24, was caught on surveillance footage attempting to access several buildings in Augusta County, police said.
The disturbing incidents took place starting at around 11.30pm on January 25 and saw Cruz trying to open doors at Wilson Middle School, Wilson High School, and the Valley Career and Technical Center among others, according to investigators.
‘The footage shows Mr. Cruz approaching exterior doors, attempting to open them, and peering inside, indicating efforts to gain unauthorized access,’ police said.
He was charged with three misdemeanour counts of trespassing and released days later following a short stay in jail, the Independent reports.
His arrest comes six seven years after Cruz’s brother murdered 17 people and injured 17 more during his 2018 rampage at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.
Parents expressed concern after the killer’s brother was released back into the community.
‘I understand how troubling this situation has been for you, your families, and our community,’ Augusta County Sheriff Donald Smith wrote on Facebook.
‘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.’
The sheriff added that ‘heightened security measures’ have been implemented including, ‘increased law enforcement presence on and around school grounds’.
‘Additionally, we are closely monitoring any potential threats and staying in communication with school officials to ensure all necessary precautions are in place,’ Smith added.
‘We encourage parents, students, and staff to remain alert and report any suspicious activity.
‘The collective effort of law enforcement, school officials, and the community is essential to maintaining a safe environment for everyone.’
Cruz is due back in court on May 1 according to Augusta General District Court.
His brother was responsible for the deadliest mass shooting at a US high school in history.
The killer fired about 140 shots from his AR-15 style semiautomatic rifle during his six-minute attack, moving methodically from the first floor to the second and third.
The killer said he began thinking about committing a school shooting while in middle school, about five years before he carried out the attack.
He was apprehended by police and pleaded guilty to the atrocity, narrowly escaping the death penalty.
The killer was handed a life prison sentence, which is being served in Florida.
The verdict was reached after the jury said it could not unanimously agree that Cruz should be executed.
Under Florida law, a death sentence requires a unanimous vote on at least one count. The only other option is life in prison.
