Dozens evacuated from Verona high-rise, man accused of tampering with sprinkler

Dozens of people were evacuated from a Verona high-rise on Thursday evening after police say a man tampered with a sprinkler in the building.

First responders were called to the A.J. Demor Towers on Thursday evening around 6 p.m. and when they first arrived, they found a large amount of water on the 7th floor that was spreading throughout the building.

Nearly 60 people were evacuated out of the building due to the water spreading.

"You come off the elevator, everything on the right-hand side, all the apartments is flooded all the way down to the lobby there and the ceiling's caved in, carpet's all soaked in the hallway, it's a mess in there," said tenant Jesse Barrett. 

Police say they determined that Steven Speis had tampered with the fire sprinkler in their apartment, causing the water to go everywhere.

According to the criminal complaint, Speis has had multiple encounters with Verona police. It also isn't the first time he's allegedly messed with the sprinkler system. In December of last year, investigators said he tampered with it for the same reason he did Thursday — he reportedly believed someone was pumping gas into his apartment. 

Investigators say the flood caused extensive damage to all floors and personal belongings. It's unclear how many apartments are inhabitable and if the complex plans to help those without insurance. 

"I don't know what they are going to do about all that. Hopefully they replace it or help them get some stuff back in there, because a lot of them people, they are in wheelchairs, a lot of them can't even walk," said Barrett. 

Speis is facing several charges, including criminal mischief and disorderly conduct.

No injuries were reported.