A Lakota student is now in custody after a three-week spree of allegedly slashing tires in the parking lot of his high school.

A 15-year-old male student at Lakota East High School was arrested at school Thursday, said Deputy Doug Hale of the Butler County Sheriff’s Office. Hale said the student faces seven misdemeanor counts of criminal damaging.

The vandalism began Oct. 29 at the school, located at 6840 Lakota Lane, Liberty Twp., according to Hale. He said the vandalism happened during the school day and was mostly kept to punctured tires. In one instance, a profane word was scratched into a vehicle.

Principal Suzanna Davis said the school administration launched an investigation immediately after receiving the first report of vandalism, according to an email sent Thursday.

“Working collaboratively with the sheriff’s office, we were able to identify a suspect … and appropriate school discipline has been taken,” Davis wrote in the email. “I want to assure you Lakota East is committed to providing a safe environment for our students. Disruptions to our student’s learning process and/or environment will not be tolerated.”

Hale said the juvenile will appear in Butler County Juvenile Court on Friday.

Hale said it was through video surveillance and watchful deputies that the responsible party was discovered. Hale said he’s been a school resource officer at Lakota East for 16 years, and has seen his share of vandalism.

“We’ve had catalytic converters taken and cars broken into,” Hale said.