An electric cooperative serving residents in several central Michigan counties including Isabella, Clare, Gratiot, Montcalm and Mecosta is asking for help finding whoever caused more than $250,000 in damage to equipment, resulting in multiple power outages.
HomeWorks Tri County Electric Cooperative, which operates offices in Blanchard and Portland, is searching for the suspect or suspects who damaged transformers, regulators and other electrical system equipment in shootings over the past year in Clinton, Eaton and Ionia counties.
There is a $10,000 reward for anyone who provides information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible, said Charlie Marquardt, communications director for the cooperative.
Chris O’Neill, CEO of Homeworks, said: “Intentionally damaging electrical infrastructure is a serious criminal offence.” “Providing safe and reliable electricity to our members is our top priority, and we take anything that disrupts our ability to do so very seriously.
“We are working with the Michigan State Police and local law enforcement agencies to put an end to these repeat crimes as quickly and as safely as possible.”
The majority of incidents occurred at night, and HomeWorks asks that residents who hear gunshots during the night immediately call their county’s central emergency line.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers of Mid-Michigan at 517-483-STOP (7876).
Crime Stoppers accepts anonymous tips.
HomeWorks is a non-profit electric cooperative democratically owned and operated by members who receive electric service from the utility.
Headquartered in Portland, HomeWorks serves approximately 23,000 members across 13 rural counties in central Michigan and can be reached at 800-562-8232 or at www.homeworks.com.
