INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — The Indian River County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a case of a vandal who opened 17 fire hydrants, causing 1.2 million gallons of water to spill into streets early Sunday.
The Sheriff’s Office received a phone call about one hydrant near the 9800 block of State Road 60 around 2:30 a.m. Sunday, June 16. Indian River Fire Rescue sent a crew out to close the hydrant. Less than an hour later, though, another hydrant – found near 4th Street and 98th Avenue – was found opened.
And so it went until almost 7:30 a.m. as crews responded to a total of 17 hydrants having been opened – many of which were located near State Road 60 between Interstate 95 and 58th Avenue. Three others were discovered in the Vero Highlands and two in the Gifford area.
The Indian River County Utilities Department told the Sheriff’s Office that an estimated 1.2 million gallons of water had been released as a result of the hydrant tampering.
Tampering with a fire hydrant in this manner represents a third degree felony under Florida statute 806.10, according to the Sheriff’s Office. Additional charges based on the cost of the water itself as well as damage to at least three dirt roads could also be considered.
Anyone with information about the suspect or suspects in these incidents is asked to call Detective Steve Stoll at (772) 978-6119. Those wishing to remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward up to $1,000, can provide information through Treasure Coast Crime Stoppers at 1-800-273-8477 or www.tcwatch.org.