Parents and students were shocked to receive notice Friday morning that Columbia Academy would be closed for the day due to a break in Thursday night. Suspicions were raised as to why the school would need to close a full day for a break in.
Columbia police officers were dispatched to Columbia Academy around 6 a.m. Friday after a call about a burglary at the school. Once they arrived, officers cleared the main building and notified investigators of the burglary.
The suspects broke in to gain access to the school's offices and to the school's safe. There were several broken and cracked windows.
A large amount of cash, reportedly between $60,000 and $75,000, was taken by the burglars.
The CPD has no leads at this time, but they know one of the suspects is a white male. Security photos of the two culprits have been released.
The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation and the Marion County Sheriff's Office are assisting the CPD.
Lt. Justin Porter said school staff members have been very cooperative. Headmaster Angie Burkett declined to comment while the investigation is ongoing.
