Idaho Man Faces Federal Charges for Shooting at Hells Canyon Power Facilities

By Joe Hathaway on Thursday, August 10th, 2023 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News

BOISE – A Meridian man now faces federal charges for allegedly shooting at Idaho Power substations at Hells Canyon and Brownlee Dams.

58-year-old Randy Vail was already facing charges in Adams and Washington Counties after being arrested on June 9th. Both Baker and Wallowa County deputies assisted in his arrest.

He’s accused of using a rifle to shoot at hydroelectric power generating facilities at both dams on June 8th, causing “significant interruption and impairment of a function of the facilities”, according to the United States Attorney’s Office for Idaho.

During his arrest, police also found bolt cutters and cans of gasoline.

He faces two federal charges of destruction of an energy facility. If convicted, he could face 20 years or more in prison.