Know this fence-cutting cyclist? Thurston County Sheriff’s Office wants your help
The Thurston County Sheriff’s Office says the cyclist has been identified.
A cyclist was caught on camera cutting a chain-link fence that blocks the Chehalis Western Trail, Thurston County Sheriff’s Office says. Now, the office wants the public’s help identifying him.
The fence is near Talcott Ridge Drive Southeast and blocks an area where the county and Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad are working on a project to connect the south and north portions of the trail.
By cutting the fence with bolt cutters he stored in the area, the man was able to open it and ride through, Lt. Ray Brady told The Olympian. Video surveillance footage showed him riding back out later in the day.
“We believe it’s somebody that regularly uses that trail there,” he said.
It has now been cut four times since December, according to the Sheriff’s Office. Fixing it costs money and county employees’ time. And, in addition to vandalism and trespassing, Brady said the cyclist’s safety in the active construction zone is a concern.
“The intention never is to restrict people from being able to have access to recreational activities,” Brady told The Olympian. “But there’s a reason behind this, and that is it’s a construction zone. ... They’re just trying to keep people safe.”
Video and photos posted by the Sheriff’s Office on Facebook show the cyclist wearing Washington State University cycling gear and a light-colored helmet and riding a white, Pinarello brand bicycle.
The office is asking anyone with information to contact Deputy Camm Clark by calling Thurston County 911 dispatch at 360-704-2740 or emailing clarkc@co.thurston.wa.us.
This story was originally published February 28, 2020 at 8:12 AM.
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