Broncos Pub & Grill is no stranger to excitement; the only bar in Pilot Butte is the place to go in the community.
It was also the place to go late Friday night, when, unbeknownst to them, they held a rather unusual party.
Vandals lit a bonfire on the patio and tried smashing a window with a hockey stick. They also damaged the patio furniture.
“It was a surprise. I came down, looked at our cameras, and kind of watched the whole movie play out,” explained the bar’s owner, Doug Steadman.
“We cleaned up as best we could until spring, then we’ll pressure wash everything down, get some new furniture,” Steadman continued. “There’s not a lot of damage, it’s just the act that’s frustrating.”
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Steadman says this type of vandalism has been a common occurrence recently, adding that in a town of just over 2000 there’s not been much to do this winter.
“A lot of things have been going on around town, cars have been broken into, garages have been broken into, and this has all be going on as it gets warmer. Kids have cabin fever just like everybody else,” Steadman said.
RCMP responded to the incident shortly after 1:30 Saturday morning, and an investigation is ongoing. Originally Steadman was frustrated by the vandalism, but after some time to think about it he’s in no rush to press charges.
“I mean what does a slap on the wrist do to kids nowadays? As far as I’m concerned let’s give them a broom, sweep up a couple of hours,” Steadman offered. “Let’s give them some work to do that will enable them to maybe think about what they did.”
Other store owners are aware of the issue, but aren’t particularly worried.
“I would say no for the most part,” Shona Elder, the owner of White Butte Pharmacy, told Global News when asked if she was concerned about future incidents.
“I haven’t seen a lot going on, and I think it was probably a one off, some kids up to no good.”
White Butte RCMP say they are looking into the incidents both at Broncos and around town. They are asking anyone with information relating to this case, or others to contact them or Crime Stoppers.
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