Gunshots inflict major damage on comm tower

State parks building also vandalized, suspect remains elusive

Humboldt Sentinel staff
6/24/09

Shelter Cove

Construction workers at a new U.S. Coast Guard communications tower returned to work Tuesday morning to discover severe damage to the facility and the neighboring State Parks building.

Humboldt County Sheriff’s deputies are looking for information about those responsible for firing several high-powered rifle rounds into the radio tower, damaging one of the support legs. The construction company manager estimated damage at $100,000; several shots fired at the State Parks building caused an estimated $10,000 worth of damages.

The 120-foot tower, located within a fenced compound at the intersection of Kelly and Toth roads in Shelter Cove, is on federal property. The State Parks building houses radio communication systems for state and local fire and law enforcement agencies.

The attack probably took place after 9 p.m. Monday, as construction workers were on site until sundown. HCSO deputies recovered about 25 shell casings nearby, and are looking for more information -- the public is urged to come forward with any details by calling the HCSO at (707) 445-7251.