PRINEVILLE, Ore. — Authorities are trying to find whoever drained a reservoir east of Prineville.
The Bulletin newspaper reported that someone opened the head gate last month on the dam holding back Peterson Creek Reservoir.
The reservoir sits on land in the estate of late Central Oregon tire baron Les Schwab. No one lives near the site and Crook County Judge Mike McCabe said it was likely draining for two weeks before anyone noticed.
He says the culprit had to have used a big wrench, so it was no accident.
Investigators do not have a clear motive for why anyone would empty it. The act occurred the same month Gov. Kate Brown declared a drought emergency in Crook County.
A $5,000 reward has been offered for information leading to a conviction.
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