Two dozen cars damaged in Powell

Police pursuing leads, seeking information

Posted 8/22/19

Powell police are investigating after a total of 24 vehicles were damaged in a Sunday morning vandalism spree.

It appears that, between midnight and 6 a.m., someone drove through Powell and used a …

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Two dozen cars damaged in Powell

Police pursuing leads, seeking information

Posted

Powell police are investigating after a total of 24 vehicles were damaged in a Sunday morning vandalism spree.

It appears that, between midnight and 6 a.m., someone drove through Powell and used a bat to break windshields, back windows and rearview mirrors, said Police Lt. Alan Kent.

“From what we’ve seen, somebody was driving and somebody was hanging out the passenger window [with a bat],” Kent said.

From surveillance footage they’ve obtained so far, police suspect that the culprits were driving in a light-colored SUV.

“We’re chasing down some good leads and we’re collecting video,” Kent said Wednesday. “I think it’s just a matter of time.”

A map of the reports created by police show the damage was spread over a wide area, ranging from below Madison Street on the south side of town to Pat O’Hara Drive on the city’s north end. The biggest cluster of vandalized vehicles was just west of the Park County Fairgrounds, in the area of Clark and Bent streets.

The targeted vehicles were generally parked out on the street in front of homes and apparently were struck as the suspects drove by, Kent said.

Police have not yet tabulated an estimate of the total damage, but “I think it’s pretty easy to say that it’s going to be well over $1,000,” Kent said, adding that, “Nowadays just changing a mirror is probably $500.”

When more than $1,000 worth of property damage is involved, the case can be charged as a felony crime.

Kent said it had been some time since Powell experienced a rash of vehicle vandalism like Sunday’s spree.

Police are asking anyone with information about the incident — including any relevant surveillance camera footage of suspicious vehicles that night — to call them at 307-754-2212. Tipsters can also anonymously contact the department via the Crime Tips Line at 307-764-8477 or via an email to crimetip@cityofpowell.com.

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