Police Arrest Two for Burglary at Abandoned Fort Worth School
Authorities detained two men at the former Charles E. Nash Elementary School early Wednesday.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Property Crime
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Police arrested two individuals for breaking into the permanently closed Charles E. Nash Elementary School at 401 Samuels Ave. after responding to a call at 1:30 a.m.
Why it matters
The school district is currently managing the property with plans to sell the site, making it a target for unauthorized entry and vandalism.
The suspects face formal charges of burglary of a building, evading arrest or detention, and criminal mischief following the incident at 401 Samuels Ave.
The players
Charles E. Nash Elementary School
This is a former Fort Worth Independent School District facility located at 401 Samuels Ave. that ceased operations in mid-2026.
The details
Officers conducted a foot chase to detain the two men after arriving at the vacant campus. Inside the building, police recovered two backpacks containing a tablet and various tools used during the suspected burglary.
Timeline
June 2026: Charles E. Nash Elementary School officially closed.
October 14, 2026, 1:30 a.m.: Police responded to a report of people inside the school.
Legal Context
The rise in property crimes at vacant school buildings has led to increased monitoring of surplus district assets. This incident follows a pattern of heightened law enforcement attention on former campus properties currently slated for real estate divestment.
The presence of security incidents at vacant school properties often prompts local police to increase patrols in the immediate area to protect nearby residents. Neighbors should remain vigilant and report suspicious activity at the 401 Samuels Ave. location to the authorities.
The takeaway
Property owners of vacant buildings should ensure perimeter security is robust to prevent unauthorized access and tool storage. Residents are encouraged to contact local law enforcement if they notice activity at sites scheduled for closure or redevelopment.
Further reading
For more information on similar incidents in the area, visit Property Crime reports.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
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