Vandals blow up school power box

Published 5:00 pm Wednesday, July 19, 2000

“Damage to a school power box that was partially blown up Friday night could range from $5,000 to $20,000, according to Island County Sheriff’s Deputy Robert Davison.They blew it up pretty good inside, said Davison, describing damage to a big, green power box located outside South Whidbey High School along Maxwelton Road.Davison said the box supplied the main power supply to the high school. It’s about six feet high. Someone pried the side off the box and then threw a large, unidentified explosive inside.It bent and broke quarter-inch steel, Davison said. Whatever they used packed a huge punch.The explosion likely occurred after midnight. Nobody lives in the immediate area and the sound was likely muffled by the metal box, Davison said. The damage was reported the next morning.Electrical power to the school apparently was not interrupted. A hole in the side of the box was patched over, and yellow police tape wrapped around the box to keep the curious away.Anyone with information about the bombing can report it to 911 or call 321-4400 and ask for Deputy Davison.”