Back to Blog

COMMUNITY REWARD FOR INFORMATION ON CRIMINAL VIOLENCE AGAINST OPALCO APPRENTICE

During the early morning hours of February 9, 2016, a newly hired Apprentice Lineman was held at gunpoint in his home on Orcas Island. The assailant made threats against his safety and that of his family. The following day, death threats were scrawled across the front of OPALCO headquarters in Eastsound. The San Juan County Sheriff’s office and the FBI are investigating and the community is raising a significant reward for information that leads to the conviction of the person or persons responsible for these crimes.

“This is serious crime that has created fear in the community,” said Randall Gaylord, Prosecuting Attorney.  He added that, “the first step is to find the perpetrator and those who may have provided assistance. Even the smallest detail may be helpful.”

The investigators are reviewing video footage and analyzing handwriting samples. Persons of interest are being interviewed. The consequences for felony crimes of this magnitude include serious prison time for the perpetrators and their accomplices.

“We will not tolerate acts of violence,” said Foster Hildreth, General Manager. “This is about the lives and well-being of the people who work hard every day to serve our membership.”

The OPALCO Board of Directors will discuss these events and how to support the community reward fund at their regularly scheduled board meeting on Friday, February 19th in Friday Harbor beginning at 8:30 AM. Interested members are welcome to attend

San Juan County Sheriff Ron Krebs is asking that anyone with information call 911 or the anonymous tip line at 360-370-7629.

You may also like...

YR 2024 capitol

Youth Scholarship Winners

Each year, OPALCO selects five San Juan County students to represent OPALCO at the Youth Rally and to receive $1000 for their post high school education. This year’s winners are: … Read more
IR Board

Driving Change: A Local Non-profit Provides EV Rides to Communities in Need

In 2013, two San Juan Islanders, Bob Reilly and Curt VanHyning, saw a desperate need for free or affordable transportation services in Friday Harbor for disabled and elderly members of … Read more
map

Quick Fact: Northwest Resource Adequacy in a Rapidly Decarbonizing World

Northwest regional load is projected to double by 2050 due to the electrification of transportation and heating, which account for most greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the region. This has … Read more