Bend Police Seek Suspect Who Cut Electrical Wires

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Bend Police are seeking the public’s assistance in a criminal mischief case that involved property damage to a utility box owned by Pacific Power.

At approximately 7:42 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 21, Bend Police received a report from Pacific Power that high-voltage electrical wires inside a power box located in the 20900 block of NE Talus Place had been cut overnight, likely with bolt cutters. The box is located behind a locked gate with a “no trespassing” sign on it.

Bolt cutters were found inside the power box. Pacific Power estimated the damage at $20,000 or more.

When officers arrived at the scene, the power box was hot and still smoking, and evidence at the scene indicated the attempt to cut through the wires had caused a fire and explosion.

It is likely the suspect in this incident sustained severe or potentially life-threatening burns.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call nonemergency dispatch at 541-693-6911.

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