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Prosecutors File Felony Charges In Window-Smashing Incident At Suburban School

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Criminal charges have been upgraded against a 38-year-old man who allegedly used a metal pipe to smash the windows of more than a dozen cars in a school parking lot near his parents' home earlier this month.

Kirk Waishwell, of LaGrange Highlands, has been charged with five felony counts of criminal damage to property for his alleged profanity-laced window-smashing tirade at lunchtime on Feb. 9 at the Kensington School, which is located across the fence from his parents' home.

Previously, he had been charged with 13 misdemeanor counts each of property damage, reckless conduct, and disorderly conduct.

The Cook County State's Attorney's office said the upgrade from misdemeanor to felony charges came after an investigation found the damage Waishwell allegedly caused exceeded $6,600, or more than $500 per car.

Parents of children at Kensington and nearby Highlands Elementary School had demanded more serious charges.

"It's important to recognize that it is not just because of us speaking out, it really was the legality of the amount of damages, and we're obviously thrilled," said parent Ashley Miller.

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She said the pipe incident was the third time Waishwell caused a disruption at the school, prompting a lockdown.

Waishwell's bail was set at $125,000, and if he is released, he'll be placed on electronic monitoring. He's also been placed under a no-contact order barring him from school property.

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