Law officer in Crook County targeted in vandalism

A law enforcement official living in Crook County was the victim of vandalism related to the Harney County occupation, according to Sheriff John Gautney.

Gautney told NewsChannel 21 on Wednesday a message was written over the weekend near the officer’s home and was meant to intimidate him and his family.

Gautney said the law enforcement member does not work for the sheriff’s office, but he declined to say what agency employs the officer. He also did not share what the message said, adding that he’s investigating the vandalism as a crime.

Gautney first shared the news in an open letter he wrote to citizens and visitors of Crook County. The letter was posted on the department’s Facebook page Monday.

“Someone went to the home of a local law enforcement official in an attempt to intimidate his family over events currently happening in Harney County,” Gautney wrote. “This was a despicable act by a cowardly person.”

The letter goes on to say the department will not tolerate or support violence.

“I want to make it perfectly clear that I will not stand for anyone using intimidation toward any member of this community,” Gautney writes.

The sheriff also wrote about many themes central to the armed occupation: the Constitution, laws governing society, rights for individual beliefs and what he called threats against government and law enforcement.

“Over the last year or so, law enforcement has been targeted by different factions in our society with a drastic increase of violence against police,” the sheriff wrote. “The office of the sheriff is charged with keeping peace in their respective counties.”

Gautney also shared his personal take on the occupation, writing that he’s “saddened over the events” and “very sorry for the loss of life.”

“I respect the public’s right to mourn this loss of life,” he writes, adding, “This could have easily been avoided.”

The letter comes as several rallies and protests related to the occupation have been held in Prineville. A candlelight vigil for LaVoy Finicum, the occupier shot by Oregon State Police, was held at the courthouse Wednesday night.

Harney County Sheriff David Ward has become the face of the collection of law enforcement agencies working to resolve the occupation of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. Occupiers have repeatedly called on Ward to protect ranchers in the community and support their cause.

Neighboring Grant County Sheriff Glenn Palmer has also made headlines regarding the occupation. Before the fatal shooting, he met with some of the occupiers and has voiced support for some of their demands.

In his letter, Gautney makes it clear where he stands:

“I believe the people have the right to state their grievances to the government and seek legal means to bring about change in our county,” Gautney wrote. “What I do not agree with is the use of tactics by outsiders in our communities that make our citizens feel unsafe.

“We are a nation of laws that have been put in place by mainstream society. These laws are not perfect by any means and cannot satisfy the needs of all people. However, they are there to promote peace and tranquility in society. Without these laws we become a nation in chaos where no one can feel safe or secure.”

You can read Gautney’s full letter here: https://www.facebook.com/1536183523360664/photos/a.1546183372360679.1073741828.1536183523360664/1546183355694014/?type=3&theater

Gautney said investigators do not have any suspects in the vandalism case. Anyone with information can call the Crook County Sheriff’s Office at 541-447-6398.