AUGUSTA COUNTY, Va. (WAVY) — Zachary Cruz, the 24-year-old brother of the Parkland school shooter, was arrested Feb. 4 for trespassing at multiple school properties, including Wilson Middle School, Wilson High School and the Valley Career and Technical Center.
Courtesy Augusta County Sheriff's Office
Authorities reported that Cruz was observed on the premises of the Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center Complex after hours around 11:30 p.m. on Jan. 25.
According to a release from the Augusta County Sheriff's Office, this incident prompted a collaborative investigation involving the Woodrow Wilson Police Department, the Virginia State Police and the Augusta County Sheriff's Office.
Surveillance footage recovered from Jan. 25 showed him attempting to open exterior doors and peering into the schools.
Cruz was arrested Feb. 4 and charged with three misdemeanor counts of trespassing. However, Cruz's attorney, Amina Matheny-Willard, stated that his Fourth Amendment rights were violated during the arrest.
In a press release, Matheny-Willard said that Augusta County deputies obtained three arrest warrants by falsely telling the magistrate that there were "no trespassing" signs. Matheny-Willard said this was not, in fact, true, and that Cruz was on public property.
Matheny-Willard said she and Cruz plan to file a civil rights lawsuit against the Augusta County Sheriff's Office, Augusta County, Virginia State Police and the Woodrow Wilson Police Department.
Cruz is a free man, according to Sheriff Donald L. Smith's recent Facebook post he shared around 10 p.m. on Feb. 6.
In that Facebook post, Smith also addressed safety concerns in the area. The post says:
"The Augusta County Sheriff’s Office is aware of growing concerns from parents and community members regarding Zachary P. Cruz's recent release and the live-streamed video recorded at various schools within the Wilson School complex earlier today.
"I want to assure the public that this video, livestreamed by Cruz’s attorney and later posted on social media, did not involve Cruz physically being present at any county school property. In fact, at the time the video was taken and initially shared, Zachary Cruz remained incarcerated at Middle River Regional Jail. Cruz was released today, February 6, 2025, at 3:43 p.m.
"I understand how troubling this situation has been for you, your families, and our community. Our top priorities are the safety and security of all students, staff, and community members. I want to assure you this matter is being taken very seriously.
"The Augusta County Sheriff's Office, in coordination with the Virginia State Police, Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center, and the administration at all schools within the Wilson complex, is actively working to monitor and keep our local schools safe and secured.
"The Augusta County Public Schools Superintendent, Eric Bond, and his staff are in constant contact with my office regarding the safety of all County Schools. Our agencies have implemented heightened security measures, including increased law enforcement presence on and around school grounds.
"Additionally, we closely monitor potential threats and communicate with school officials to ensure all necessary precautions are in place.
"Please note: the ACSO has numerous School Resource Officers assigned to the Wilson complex, the Virginia State Police area office, and the Woodrow Wilson Rehab Center Police Department, all of which are in this immediate area. You should expect additional law enforcement presence in the area.
"We encourage parents, students, and staff to remain alert and report suspicious activity. The collective effort of law enforcement, school officials, and the community is essential to maintaining a safe environment for everyone.
"Thank you for your vigilance and for voicing your concerns. Your voice is loud and clear. Should you have any further questions or information to share, please do not hesitate to contact our office."
According to the Augusta County General District Court, Cruz's next hearing is May 1.
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