RCMP are investigating after a small town hospital helicopter pad used by STARS air ambulance was vandalized last weekend.
Police said sometime between Friday, Sept. 8 and Monday, Sept. 11, the Elk Point Hospital helipad lights used to help helicopters land were damaged.
Mounties arrived Monday morning to find 10 aviation lights and three lenses broken and a planter left in the centre of the helipad.
While the damage is estimated to only be about $500, police said the destruction could have affected emergency response.
“This type of vandalism is not only costly, but it put lives at risk,” Elk Point RCMP Const. Cindy Tymensen said.
“A seriously injured person may have had to wait a few extra minutes they did not have while a landing was attempted.”
Police are asking for the public’s help as they investigate the mischief. Anyone with information is asked to call Elk Point RCMP at 780-724-3964 or submit their tip anonymously via Crime Stoppers.
Elk Point is 200 kilometres northeast of Edmonton.
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