The LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office is looking for the person or persons responsible for opening a fire hydrant in Kingsbury Industrial Park, wasting more than 300,000 gallons of water before the vandalism was discovered.
The crime happened Thursday, March 19, 2015, between 11:30 p.m. and midnight, workers at Kingsbury Utility Corporation (KUC) told the sheriff’s office. KUC supplies water and sewage services to the businesses and residences in the industrial park.
The hydrant, on Fourth Line Road, was spewing water for several hours before being discovered and flooded the area around the Bye-Mo’r business. The company was not able to accept deliveries because of a flooded loading dock.
The KUC water supply also serves as a source for area fire departments.
“Whether this be a prank or a form of retaliation, intentionally causing a water supply shortage, particularly in the event of a fire, could very well hamper critical fire department operations,” Sheriff John Boyd said in a press release. “We are taking this matter very seriously and continue to follow up leads in this investigation.”
If you have information, contact Sheriff’s Detective Aaron Banic at 219.326.7700 extension 2407. You may also call Crime Stoppers with information at 800.342.STOP (7867). Crime Stoppers will pay cash rewards for information. Callers can remain anonymous and you do not have to reveal your name.