Investigations into field vandalism ongoing

WAITSBURG—Law enforcement investigations into the damage that occurred to multiple properties in Waitsburg earlier this month are still underway. As of April 19, the Walla Walla County Sheriff’s Office had not identified a suspect.

Eyewitnesses placed a white, two-door pickup truck with a net tailgate spinning circles in a field on West 7th Street just before midnight on Friday, April 9, with the same vehicle caught on residential security cameras near the baseball field on Caroline Street. The outfield, infield, and foot track sustained damage. That Sunday, a group of volunteers repaired the field to a playable condition in anticipation of upcoming games.

The vehicle proceeded to drive up the horse track at the fairgrounds, where witnesses say it appeared that it got stuck in the ATV mud pit used during the Waitsburg Celebration Days event in May.

Waitsburg Councilmember Jim Romine said that the same vehicle was later caught on security cameras near Preston Park, where it was seen causing similar damage to the grass near the picnic and play areas. City Administrator Randy Hinchliffe said that he was unsure of the monetary cost from the damage; however, public works will begin repairs as soon as possible. He estimated that repairs would include backfill and reseeding.

The Walla Walla County Sheriff’s Office said that they had identified a vehicle but no suspects. If you have any information regarding the events, please contact the sheriff’s office by calling (509) 524-5400.