Hells Canyon dams.jpeg (copy)

The three dams that make up the Hells Canyon Complex provide 70 percent of Idaho Power’s hydroelectricity.

The Meridian man who allegedly shot at power stations is now facing federal charges.

Randy Scott Vail, 58, has been indicted by a federal grand jury on two counts of destruction of an energy facility, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit’s office announced Tuesday. The indictment alleges that on June 8 and 9, Vail used a rifle to shoot at the Hells Canyon Dam hydroelectric power station and the Brownlee Dam hydroelectric power station, causing damage to both, the release from Hurwit’s office stated.

“The damage resulted in significant interruption and impairment of a function of the facilities,” the release added. “The dams are owned and operated by Idaho Power Company and produce, transmit, store, and distribute electricity to Washington, Idaho, and Oregon.”

Authorities seized “multiple firearms” upon arresting Vail on June 9, KTVB previously reported. No one was injured during the incident.

Vail was charged with two felonies in Washington County (fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer and unlawful possession of bombs or destructive devices), and felony malicious injury to property in Adams County, according to online court records.

If convicted of the federal charges, Vail faces a maximum of 20 years in prison.

In the release, Hurwit credits several agencies for their assistance, including the FBI, Meridian Police Department and Ada County Prosecutor’s Office.

Recommended for you

Welcome to the discussion!

The Idaho State Journal invites you to take part in the community conversation. But those who don't play nice may be uninvited.

Comments that are:

  • off topic
  • defamatory
  • libelous
  • obscene
  • racist
  • abusive
  • threatening
  • an invasion of privacy (doxxing)
  • profane (including attempts to misspell profanity in order to get around the profanity filter)

will be deleted. Repeat offenders will lose commenting privileges.

Comments are opinions of the author only, and do not reflect the opinions or views of Idaho State Journal.