Feds seek info on trailhead toilet destruction
Kootenai National Forest officials are seeking information on who may have severely damaged a public bathroom at the Sunday Trails trailhead near Stryker. (Kootenai National Forest photo)
Federal officials are seeking the public’s help in finding out who wrecked a public building at a trailhead near Stryker.
According to Kootenai National Forest officials, someone fired several bullets into a public toilet facility at the Sunday Falls Trailhead on the Kootenai National Forest south of Stryker.
The damage was considerable and rendered the toilet unusable. It is currently locked and unavailable for public use.
“Vandalism of public property on the National Forest is unfortunately common, however the extent of this particular damage was much greater that what we typically encounter,” Fortine District Ranger Bryan Donner said. “I am particularly concerned that firearms were used in this case as the potential for human injury is so much greater.”
The interior and exterior of the building were both substantially damaged by multiple gunshots. The amount of damage constitutes a felony and the incident is currently being investigated to determine who may have been responsible for the damage.
Damage to the toilet facility will be repaired but there is no time-frame for when this will be completed. There are limited funds available for repairing recreation facilities and other higher priority needs may take precedence.
If anyone has any information about this crime, they are asked to contact the Eureka Ranger Station at 406-296-2635 or drop off information during business hours. Responses may be anonymous.