Fort Defiance Water Management Bureau building vandalized, trucks burned.
Fort Defiance, AZ – Early Thursday morning the Water Management Branch, of the Divsion of Natural Resources, in Fort Defiance was vandalized. Employees within the agency say a total of four vehicles were completely burned, two branch trucks and two snowmobiles. The Navajo Police department is also reporting that fourteen other vehicles were also damaged. A resident who lives within the Episcopal Church compound said they woke up to explosions at about 1:30am. Residents described seeing smoke clouds coming from the Water Management Bureau compound. It appears the vandals entered through the the main vehicle gate entrance. One juvenile has been arrested, spotted on the scene by the arriving officer. It is believed that alcohol was a factor.
Police are investigating the crime scene and have closed off the trailer office within the Water Management Branch compound.
Two days ago, Aug. 7th, employees arrived at work to find the Water Management Branch mobile home trailer door broken. Several laptops, projectors and portable printer were reported stolen to the Navajo Police Department. Fuel was also taken from some of the agencies parked vehicles. The Head Start and Veterans buildings were also vandalized on August 7th. Police are still determining if the both acts of vandalism are related.
Anyone with information related to the vandalism and vehicle damaged is encouraged to contact the Navajo Police Department, 928/871-6111
CORRECTIONS: The title should read Water Management Branch, not Bureau.