'Extensive damage' at Kitsap County construction site to cost millions - MASHAHER

KITSAP COUNTY – The Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) has launched an investigation following “extensive damage” to a construction site on Newberry Hill Road and Sesame Street NW in Silverdale.

According to a KCSO post on X Friday, the damage occurred after an unknown individual or individuals gained access to heavy equipment overnight and used it to cause extensive destruction.

KCSO is investigating damage on Newberry Hill Rd. and Sesame St. NW. after someone gained access to heavy equipment overnight and used it to cause extensive damage to work underway by Kitsap County Public Works.
Anyone with info call 911 or Det. Dekorte at 360-337-5614 pic.twitter.com/3I2Rx4oH6a

— Kitsap Sheriff (@KitsapCoSheriff) August 23, 2024

“This person knew how to operate heavy machinery,” said Kristina Nelson, senior engineer manager for Kitsap County Public Works Road Division. “We are looking at damage to equipment from $1 million to $1.5 million and additional construction cost up to $1.5 million.”

The equipment and worksite belongs to Kitsap County Public Works, which had been conducting roadwork in the area.

The road, which has been closed through the summer, is now unsafe to reopen, officials say.

Crews will have to dig under the wall to assess the damage and figure out how to repair it, according to the sheriff’s office.

“This has really delayed our timeline,” said Nelson. “We were going to be done and have the roadway open for school on September 4. Now, we just don’t know. We have to order and we can’t get materials for about a week and a half.”

The KCSO is urging anyone with information related to the incident to come forward. Tips can be reported by calling 911 or directly contacting Detective Dekorte at 360-337-5614.

The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to identify the individual or individuals responsible for this act of vandalism.