Caught car keyer at high school. Am I aloud to press charges?

I drive a 2016 Ford Mustang and yes I know for a high school teen this is on the flashier sides of things. I purchased this car myself with money that I've gathered through day trading. Due to my suspicion I purchased a front and back dash cam because I thought someone might try to key it or to catch anyone doing any vandalism. I have the perps face on the cam clearly scratching my hood in broad daylight. Do I report to the principal, the police, or both? Thank you for your time and I promise I'm not a douche bag who revs their engine in the parking lot or someone who shows off. This was a gift for myself and my accomplishments. Thank you!

Added (1). Caught car keyer at high school. Am I allowed to press charges?

Call the police as soon as possible, have your parents there to make things easier. Tell the principal too

Yes.

Source(s):
… I'm a retired police officer. I retired as a sergeant, after 29 years, from a very large department, about 12,000 officers. I was a patrol officer for 4 years in a very diverse area. I was a tactical officer in the high rise project areas of my city. We called it vertical patrol in that we walked the the stairways of the high rises most of the time. I did that for 5 years and was promoted by test to detective. I worked violent crime (homicide, sex, officer involved shootings, robbery, kidnapping, serious non property incidents) for 11 years until I was promoted to sergeant. I worked as a street supervisor, a bicycle patrol supervisor and a desk sergeant/watch commander. During my time as a tactical officer and a detective I was a unit representative for the police union.
I have a B.A in English and an M.S. In Law Enforcement Administration…

I would go to the police first and see what they have to say (but also notify the prinicipal.) They will be able to tell you what can or can't be done. It is still a criminal act even though it happened at school by a minor (most likely)

Only after you know the difference between "allowed" and "aloud"

In the US, private citizens can't press charges, PERIOD. You CAN file a criminal complaint with the police AND file a civil lawsuit for damages. A lawsuit for damages is a separate action then criminal charges.

Note: You DID NOT earn enough day trading as a high school student to buy a 2001 Chevy Chevette. It is literally IMPOSSIBLE to attend school AND day trade at the same time. In addition, anyone HALF as good at day trading as you claim would DROP OUT and traded full time. Of course this ignores the fact it is ILLEGAL to trade until you are 18.