Police hope reward will end rash of explosions

By Kevin Hanson

The Courier-Herald

A series of arson-related acts of vandalism over the past month have the Enumclaw Police Department asking for community assistance and have sparked a reward offering that could top $10,000.

According to Lt. Bob Heubler of the EPD, the incidents have brought damage to city property, a private vehicle and Enumclaw High School. Three separate acts of vandalism occurred June 10, followed by isolated incidents June 17, June 24 and the Fourth of July, followed by two incidents July 5, Heubler said.

A common theme has been the use of fireworks to create small bombs. Without providing information that could compromise the department's investigation, Heubler said common fireworks have been bundled in a manner that creates a powerful explosion.

City parks have been favorite targets, with explosives used to damage portable restrooms and trash receptacles. Damage has been done at Garrett, Montgomery and McFarland parks, the latter hit twice. In addition, a concrete garbage container was blown up at Enumclaw Middle School.

In a dramatic act of vandalism, a device was taped to the small window in an exterior door at Enumclaw High. The high school incident, on July 5, caused damage but did not allow anyone to enter the building.

The damage done to a private automobile was on Davis Street. A device was tossed into an open car window, Heubler said, which blew out the automobile glass.

The Arson Alarm Foundation has been notified and has approved up to $10,000 in reward money for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for these acts. The vendor supplying the city with portable restrooms has added $500 to the pot.

Anyone with information about any of the incidents is asked to call one of the following:

€ Enumclaw Police Department, 360-825-3505

€ Enumclaw Fire Department, 360-825-5544

€ Enumclaw Police Tip Line, 360-615-5707

€ Arson Hotline, 1-800-55ARSON

Kevin Hanson can be reached at khanson@courierherald.com.

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