Two men charged in school burglary

PHARR - Two men are being charged with burglarizing Buckner Elementary School early Wednesday morning.

19-year-old Augustin Arevalo and 21-year-old Miguel Aguilar are expected to have their initial appearance in court today.

Police received witness reports of suspicious activity about 5:45 a.m. near the 1001 N. Fir St. campus.

Neighbors directed police to a home in the 900 block of Cyprus Street - just five blocks from the school - where they said the three men were staying.

Police found Arevalo, Aguilar, and 30-year-old Jimmy Aguilar, as well as computers and monitors identified as school property, Pharr police Chief Ruben Villescas said.

Police could not confirm if Miguel and Jimmy were related.

Jimmy Aguilar was questioned and is being held on an outstanding Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office warrant for marijuana possession, Villescas said.

The chief said officers increased patrols in the area after a computer was stolen Monday from Ford Elementary School, 1200 E. Polk Ave.

Although vehicle and building burglaries have occurred in the area recently, there have been no more of them than usual, Villescas said.

He said it was "premature" to say that the three men could be involved in a theft ring.

Buckner Elementary School officials declined to comment.
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Jackie Leatherman covers Hidalgo County government and general assignments at The Monitor. She can be reached at (956) 683-4424.