Substation Attacks: Pierce County Detectives Seek Surveillance

PIERCE COUNTY, WA — Pierce County detectives are asking neighbors and business owners to check their surveillance cameras for anything suspicious after four electrical substations were attacked and damaged on Christmas Day, knocking out power for thousands of homes for several hours.

The first three incidents, targeting substations in Spanaway, Graham and South Hill, happened early Christmas morning, leaving more than 14,000 customers in the dark for at least part of the holiday. Deputies investigated a fourth incident in the evening, after a 911 caller reported a fire at a Puget Sound Energy substation in Kapowsin, impacting the power grid in Kapowsin and Graham.

So far, no suspects have been identified in any of the incidents. The Pierce County Sheriff's Department said all neighboring law enforcement agencies are aware of the incidents and monitoring local substations. Police ask that anyone who sees something suspicious near any power facility call 911 immediately.

Here are the locations and estimated times of the Christmas Day incidents:

• 2:39 am: 10915 144th St E, South Hill
• 5:00 am: 22312 46th Ave E, Spanaway
• 5:00 am: 8820 224th St E, Graham
• 7:21 pm: 14320 Kapowsin Hwy E, Kapowsin

"If you have surveillance video at your home or business, please review it and let us know if you find anything that could help our detectives identify the suspect(s) responsible," officials wrote. "Please note that the above times are approximate and you may have applicable footage shortly before and after the listed time."