Meadow Brook Hall vandalism: Oakland University police searching for suspect

ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich. (FOX 2) - Police from Oakland University are on the search for a suspect who allegedly vandalized a historic national landmark while attempting a break-in.

What they're saying:

On Tuesday, a suspect attempted to break into Meadow Brook Hall on the grounds of Oakland University, leaving behind shattered stained-glass and broken hearts.

"It's maddening, especially since that there seems to be no point to it," said Professor Randy Engle at OU.

The stained-glass is valued at around $30,000, but the sentimental value is irreplaceable.

"Everything here is one of a kind. Everything here was built specifically for Meadow Brook Hall. It wasn't imported, it can’t be really replicated. So once something is broken or truly destroyed, it’s gone forever," said Bill Matt, the Executive Director of Meadow Brook Estate.

The backstory:

Meadow Brook was the home of Matilda Dodge Wilson, who donated her estate to OU, which led to the creation of the home for the Golden Grizzlies.

The suspect tried to break in through a window, kicking the stained-glass and hitting his leg on the thick iron bars. Then he tried to go through the top, but he didn’t know he would be facing a 20-foot drop.

That’s when the suspect turned and ran from the scene, leaving his footprints in the snow.

What's next:

Fortunately, Meadow Brook Estate recently received a grant to refurbish the stained-glass windows.

"So we already had the research done. It’s already back at the conservation studio in Muskegon, and it's being repaired as we speak," said Matt.

The window is expected to be restored by April 1.

Oakland University police are investigating.