Police looking for Rutland gas line tampering suspect

• Man acted suspiciously at Rutland construction site
• In one instance accelerant was found next to gas line

Kelowna RCMP are trying to identify a person connected to a series of suspicious circumstances at a Rutland Road North construction site that had the potential to cause serious damage and risk public safety.

RCMP report being called to the site on the 600-block on three separate occasions this month, in which the male suspect appears to have made moves to tamper with the natural gas line and possibly set it alight.

In the most recent incident, on Dec.21, police said accelerants were located near the gas line designed to cause damage to it.

The nature and description of the items located are not being shared to protect the integrity of the investigation.

The other two incidents happened Dec.6 and Dec.15, and all were between 6 a.m. and 6:30 a.m.

Police said the motive is not known but the actions of the individual, had they been successful in their efforts, had the potential to cause serious damage to property and would have endangered the safety of anyone who would have been nearby at the time.

“We need your help to identify the person responsible,” said Cpl. Tammy Lobb, Media Relations Officer for the Kelowna RCMP in a media release.

The investigation is being led by Kelowna RCMP General Investigative Services who is working closely with the property owner. The property owner has since increased security measures to prevent future incidents.

If you have any information about the suspect or these incidents, please contact the Kelowna RCMP at E_Kelowna_General_Enquiries@rcmp-grc.gc.ca or remain completely anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or by leaving a tip online at www.crimestoppers.net