LISBON — Local police Wednesday charged a 16-year-old Lisbon High School junior with aggravated criminal mischief in the vandalism of school buses this month.

The investigation into vandalism, which closed schools March 4, found that not only were the buses vandalized over the weekend of March 2 and 3, but all of the heater cords for the diesel buses were stolen Feb. 28 and March 1, police Chief David Brooks said.

The theft of the cords was brought to the Police Department’s attention at the time of the reported vandalism of the buses.

Police received numerous tips on the vandalism and officers followed up on each piece of information, Brooks said. Investigators, in conjunction with school officials, interviewed student witnesses.

As of Wednesday afternoon, police had charged one student. However, the investigation remained open, Brooks said. The case will be referred to the Maine Department of Corrections Juvenile Services in Auburn and a determination by that office will decide whether the boy’s case goes to juvenile court.

Heather Wilmot, director of student services, said a bus driver arriving for his regular morning route found flat tires and alerted the maintenance director. The buses were parked on Capital Avenue next to Public Works.

After the tires were inflated — some had to be remounted — Wilmot said the school opted to send the buses to Don’s Automotive for an overall safety check. The work took most of the day.

• Previous coverage: Flat tires prompt school closing in Lisbon