Submitted by Orcas Power and Light Company

During the early morning hours of Tuesday, Feb. 9, 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, Feb. 19 in Friday Harbor beginning at 8:30 a.m. 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.