Officers were called out to Golden West High School on McAuliff Street.
Anthony Angel Rocha, 25, was spotted taking a forklift. Police followed him to the area of Lovers Lane and Norman Avenue, where they eventually took him into custody.
Officials say Rocha used the forklift to cause damage to a light pole and fencing on the school campus before leaving the scene.
He was booked for auto theft and felony vandalism.