Bend Police searching for suspect who cut high-voltage electrical wires, caused $20,000+ in damage

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- On Thursday, Bend Police announced they are searching for a suspect in a criminal mischief case following a Wednesday-morning incident.

According to a press release from the agency, on Wednesday shortly before 8 a.m., Pacific Power reported 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."

Pacific Power estimates the damage to be at least $20,000.

Police believe the attempt to cut through the wires caused a fire and explosion. BPD says the suspect likely sustained severe or possibly life-threatening burns.

If you have information that could aide in the investigation, you're asked to contact non-emergency dispatch at (541) 693-6911.

Below is the full press release from Bend Police:

"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."