EDMONTON – A helicopter that was being used to construct new transmission lines in central Alberta was vandalized over the weekend.
Sylvan Lake RCMP said it happened sometime between Friday afternoon and Saturday morning while the chopper was parked near Eckville – which is about 35 kilometres west of Red Deer.
Both the interior and exterior were vandalized.
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Police said if chopper had taken off, the lives of those inside would have been in great danger. Because of that, police are treating the vandalism very seriously.
The helicopter is valued at over half a million dollars.
Preliminary estimates peg the damage anywhere from $1000 to $100,000. Several critical parts of the helicopter were also stolen.
Police said the helicopter will be out of service until it’s repaired and inspected.
Those responsible could face charges ranging from theft and mischief, to mischief endangering life – which carries a maximum punishment of life in prison.
Anyone with information is asked to call Sylvan Lake RCMP at 403-887-3333 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
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