RENO, NV - Some say 'what goes around, comes around'...and in the case of some local criminals, that saying may hold true. A group of destructive vandals targeted Swope Middle School Monday night, while unknowingly exposing themselves to a dangerous toxin.

the school is currently undergoing roof replacement. It's an older school, and like many old buildings in Reno, the roof contains asbestos.

Tuesday morning at about 8:30, school police were dispatched to Swope for a report of vandalism. When they arrived, they found several hundred shingles from the old roof had been thrown into the parking lot and street.

The contractor told police that when shingles are broken, they can release asbestos, a very dangerous material known to cause lung cancer from prolonged exposure.

One angry neighbor says the vandals got what they deserve.

"They need to get caught and get a good reprimanding. They should show them what the problem is and let the parents pay for their mistakes."

School police officer Tracy Moore added: "They probably thought it was fun up on the roof throwing tiles like Frisbees, but they were probably unaware of what the tiles were made of. Seeing the risks that come with that, you need to know what you're playing with."

Hazmat crews wearing respirators and full-body suits worked well into the afternoon Tuesday, to clean up and remove the dangerous materials. School district officials say the vandals should come forward, not only to pay for the damage they did...but also because they probably need to seek medical treatment.

If you or someone you know is responsible for the roof damage, you should contact the Washoe County School District Secret Witness program at 329-6666.