50-Year-Old Arrested Following Break-In and Theft at York High School

Overnight Burglary at York High School

Local police have arrested a 50-year-old man following an overnight break-in at a local high school. Henry Ponder, of Broadview, was apprehended on Friday and faces serious charges of burglary and criminal trespass to property. According to police reports, Ponder unlawfully entered York High School, located at 355 W. St. Charles Road, during the overnight hours on Wednesday and committed theft. Following his arrest, he was transferred to the DuPage County Jail.

Other Local Crime Incidents

In addition to the burglary at York High School, local police logs detail several other recent arrests in the area:

• Retail Theft and Battery: A 33-year-old Aurora woman was arrested at approximately 5 p.m. on Wednesday after a shoplifting incident at Jewel, situated at 944 S. York St. Police state that the woman scratched an employee who attempted to intervene and stop the theft. She was charged with retail theft and battery before being released.
• Aggravated DUI: Julian Marquez, 46, of Bensenville, was arrested around 11:30 p.m. on Thursday at the intersection of York Street and Industrial Avenue. He faces multiple charges, including aggravated DUI, possession of a controlled substance, driving with a revoked license, and driving an uninsured vehicle.
• DUI and Traffic Violations: A 38-year-old local man was arrested at approximately 4 a.m. on Saturday at Diversey and York Street. He was charged with DUI, improper lane usage, and driving an uninsured car. Police noted he refused to provide a breath sample during his arrest.

School and Commercial Security Advice

To help prevent break-ins at schools and commercial premises, the following security measures are recommended:

• Ensure all external doors and windows are heavily secured and locked outside of operating hours.
• Upgrade alarm systems and ensure they are connected directly to local law enforcement or a monitoring center.
• Install comprehensive, high-definition CCTV coverage focusing on all entry and exit points.
• Use motion-activated security lighting around the perimeter of the building.
• Conduct regular audits of valuable equipment and store high-value items in reinforced, locked rooms.