Police Investigating Vandalism To Northern Wisconsin Pipeline

Washburn County authorities are investigating vandalism that occurred along an energy firm’s pipeline during the Halloween weekend.

The vandal apparently dug several holes and disturbed equipment where maintenance was being done on the line.

Washburn County Sheriff Terry Dryden said it remains unclear who or how many people might have caused the vandalism at an Enbridge Energy work site. He said they’ve increased patrols in the area where private contractors are conducting maintenance on one of the energy firm’s lines.

“Deputies are going by there frequently because we don’t need somebody doing something crazy and popping a line or something,” said Dryden.

An Enbridge spokeswoman said they brought in 24-hour security last weekend to monitor the site while crews work. She said work is expected to wrap up on the pipeline this week.

Dryden said they saw similar vandalism at a road construction site earlier this year, but it’s unknown whether the two incidents are related.

Correction: The original version of this story contained an inaccurately transcribed quote.