Vandalism Suspected After Contra Costa Radio Tower Collapses
CONTRA COSTA (KCBS) — Police were investing the collapse of a radio communication tower late Sunday night or early Monday morning in Contra Costa County that may be the work of vandals.
East Bay Regional Park District Police said the tower, which stood just over 200 feet, was on Rocky Ridge, located west of San Ramon and Danville, supports radio communications systems across the East Bay.
Around 9 a.m. Monday, officers were notified that a tower on Rocky Ridge in the Las Trampas Regional Wilderness had collapsed during the night, police said.
Officers responded and found that the cables that hold the tower in place had been cut, causing it to fall, police Capt. Mark Ruppenthal said.
No one was injured as a result of the collapse. Investigators said a first look at the scene indicates vandalism may be involved. They said it appears as if about $1 million worth of damage has been done.
A Contra Costa County Fire official told KCBS the collapse has affected some dispatch services in the western part of the county. Ruppenthal said backup radio systems prevented any disruptions to radio traffic in the area.
He said investigators are trying to determine why vandals would target the tower, which is located in a remote area of the park behind multiple gates and fences.
Vandalism Suspected After Contra Costa Radio Tower Collapses
"It's not easily accessed," he said.
The tower is owned by American Tower, which owns or manages over fifty thousand towers used by cell phone companies, broadcasters and emergency services agencies.
Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact police at (510) 881-1833.
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