Vandals Damaged or Stole About a 1/2 Million Dollars of Construction Equipment Near Myers Flat

West Coast Contractors working in Southern Humboldt.

West Coast Contractors working in Southern Humboldt. [Photo from West Coast Contractors’ website]

On November 24, the California Highway Patrol received a report that vandals had damaged or stolen a number of pieces of equipment and tools from a contractor and a subcontractor working on an emergency wall construction project on Hwy 101 between Myers Flat and Weott. The vandalism happened over the Thanksgiving holiday.

According to Lt. Fridley of the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office that also received a report, the loss to the two contractors is expected to top $500,000. When contacted, both contractors agreed their total losses would likely reach that sum.

Ron Kutch, a spokesperson for West Coast Contractors, described a mess that included dirt in diesel tanks, windows broken out of multiple pieces of equipment, busted locks, ignitions punched and tires slashed. The worse damage, he said, was done to the expensive horizontal drill rig owned by D.J. Scheffler and Nye.

Dale Scheffler, the subcontractor on the job, said, “The damage on my machine is at least $100,000… The horizontal drill rig is totally disabled.”

He was dismayed by the rage shown. He explained, “[The vandals] targeted the heart of the machine…[The damage was] like stabbing a person in the heart and putting a nail in each limb, toe, and finger. Because it is a machine, it is repairable but if it was a man, it would be dead.”

Scheffler doesn’t know why their job site was targeted. He speculated, “Someone went in there and was very angry with somebody I guess. Maybe someone is trying to scare us…They targeted the whole job.”

The vandal/s took a lot of time and energy in order to do so much damage at the site. Scheffler said, “[The vandals] hand drilled into hydraulic lines…They tried to drill holes even into the electrical stuff.”

This doesn’t just damage the contractors’ bottom line, he said. “It hurts when it happens.” And it isn’t just his company and West Coast Contracting that suffers, he said. “The insurance company, the state, everyone has to pay,” he pointed out.

But, he is undaunted. “We’re doing what we can to get running,” he said. The horizontal drill rig is being shipped to Benicia where it will be quickly repaired. “We are going to have to put a guard out there,” he added. “We’ll be back on line working in a few days…We do really like working there…We want to go back to work.”

Then, just as the conversation was ending, he said reassuringly, “It is unfortunate that there are people out there who do this but there are still a lot more good people than there are bad. So, hey, don’t get down about it.”

Below is a partial list from West Coast Contractors of their losses. Many, though not all, of the stolen items will be marked with their initials, WCC. The list does not include losses suffered by D.J. Scheffler and Nye:

Equipment damage

2002 International water truck.

Wing window broken, CB radio removed.

2017 Kubota SVL 95 Skid steer.

Lock on door punched out. Ignition switch punched out. Damage to console.

2010 Gehl DL1240H fork lift.

Both side windows broken out. Both front tires slit on sidewall.

2017 Kobelco CK1100 G-2 Crane

Side glass on operators cab 2 pieces broken. Dent in operators door also dented.

 

Equipment stolen

1 ea. Milwaukee Sawzall, assorted blades and case.

1 ea. Hogan slugger mag drill, case and assorted bits.

2 ea. Skill mag 77 Skil saws

1 ea. Bosch Bulldog roto hammer, case and bits.

1 ea. Stihl 18” chainsaw Serial # 513057405

1 ea. Husqvarna chain saw

1 ea. Honda 6500 generator, Serial # EASJ-1013142

1 ea. Hitachi NR90 nail gun

2 ea. 3/8” x 50’ air hose

1 ea. 24” smart level.

 

 

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88 Comments
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Mogtx
Guest
6 years ago

So sorry for your equipment getting vandalized ,and stolen due to the heroin Tweakers down there in so hum stealing anything they can get there hands on .go to known dope houses to get your hand tools back ,but getting the cops to help I wish u good luck with that .it also sucks that they had to vandelize .So sorry for your loss.

Mark Davis
Guest
Mark Davis
6 years ago
Reply to  Mogtx

Fucking local asshats of some sort. Sux…

Michael Ward
Guest
Michael Ward
6 years ago
Reply to  Mogtx

First, junkies aren’t tweakers. Those are meth freaks. Second, there are plenty of both in northern Humboldt as well.

ED Denson
Guest
ED Denson
6 years ago

On behalf of the grammar police let me say that possibly the vandals “stole” some equipment, but they have not “stole” it, they have “stolen” it. It the “had” in your sentence that turns stole into stolen. I suggest you either remove the “had” or add an “n” to stole.

If you would rather not hear from the grammar police, let me know and I’ll direct their efforts elsewhere.

That aside there does seem to be something personal about the type and extent of the damage done. Anyone get fired recently? Looking forward to more of your excellent coverage. I turn to your news before checking any other source.

roni meeks
Guest
6 years ago
Reply to  ED Denson

there is organised theft and crime ring in weott area ,many local hard working people affected ?for long time

superd
Guest
superd
6 years ago
Reply to  roni meeks

are the thieves known to the community? need to tar and feather them, drive them around the county so citizens can see who has been thieving, a-holes

John Ripper
Guest
John Ripper
6 years ago
Reply to  ED Denson

Thank you, Ed Denson,

The mis-usage of the English language by so many — seemingly the majority — is appalling. Any effort to improve is appreciated.

Peggy Sarver
Guest
6 years ago
Reply to  Kym Kemp

Lol go girl…. love the way you roll

Ben Round
Guest
Ben Round
6 years ago
Reply to  ED Denson

Uh-Oh! Kym’s ‘n’ trouble!

Peggy Sarver
Guest
6 years ago
Reply to  Ben Round

Not….lol

Ben Round
Guest
Ben Round
6 years ago
Reply to  Peggy Sarver

Dang! No one gets a subtle joke? Stole vs stolen? What’s the difference? – Kym’s ‘N’ trouble….. Get it? 🙂

Sparklemahn
Guest
Sparklemahn
6 years ago
Reply to  Ben Round

Yup.

Lazydaze
Guest
Lazydaze
6 years ago
Reply to  Ben Round

Hahaha. I laughed for what it’s worth.

Ben Round
Guest
Ben Round
6 years ago
Reply to  Lazydaze

Thanks Sparkleman and Lazydaze! You made my N-ight! 😉

Jayded1
Guest
Jayded1
6 years ago
Reply to  ED Denson

Hey, grammar police. I found a typo buddy. 👍😂 keep up the good work.

Peggy Sarver
Guest
6 years ago
Reply to  Kym Kemp

Tee hee hee

Peggy Sarver
Guest
6 years ago
Reply to  ED Denson

Why pick on the guy about his grammar? He makes a good point. It’s out of control in southern Humboldt. !!! MOTEX has a lot of compassion for the working guy. Anyway that’s just my thought. If you can’t say something nice don’t say it at all(or police the poor guy’s grammar). Just me being me …peace

Killapotomus
Guest
Killapotomus
6 years ago
Reply to  ED Denson

Ed Denson …..It the had ? If your going to be grammar police then don’t make mistakes 😂

Sparklemahn
Guest
Sparklemahn
6 years ago
Reply to  Killapotomus

Give the grammar police a donut break.

Meth again
Guest
Meth again
6 years ago
Reply to  ED Denson

Wade Harris is out last I heard,the list of stuff taken is the same as he was stealing before.ALWAYS SUSPECT WADE FIRST!

fuckwalterwhite.com
Guest
fuckwalterwhite.com
6 years ago
Reply to  ED Denson

Yo Ed: I’d rather read poor grammar than hear multiple songs on Saturday Morning about trimming weed.

Fed Up
Guest
Fed Up
6 years ago
Reply to  ED Denson

“It the “had” in your sentence that turns stole into stolen.” It’s or It is. Your choice.

Buster
Guest
Buster
6 years ago

The pump don’t work
“Cause the vandals took the handles

red tail hawk
Guest
red tail hawk
6 years ago
Reply to  Buster

Nailed it. lol

tired of all this
Guest
tired of all this
6 years ago

Pretty disgusting. People complain about the road, then wreck the equipment that is fixing it.
Very sorry for the folks who work hard and get robbed. We should be better, just as human beings.

Peggy Sarver
Guest
6 years ago

I agree… it’s that “proposition”!!!! . they’re not held to responsibly for their actions . therefore they have no consequences to suffer for… let’s hear it for the hard-working man, damn it just tired of all this tweaker bullcrap… Just saying sorry for my rant

Life time local
Guest
Life time local
6 years ago
Reply to  Peggy Sarver

What prop! I am so over people blaming something that is not the cause for everything. This is a huge crime we are talking about here not a tiny car theft or something. I believe if it is over 940 in stuff taken then it is a larger crime. And as for the enforcement of snappy thefts. I happen to be present when a local business had a woman’s pic and she had shoved all kinds of stuff down her pants. I encouraged them to call the cops and report. They came and she was arrested. I did not ask the specifics of the amount taken but I’m pretty sure it was under 940…. I am so over everyone blaming the prop and never doing anything about the problem. It is better to call every misdemeanor in and get it on their record, if for no other reason than to discourage the next criminal from praying on our community. Unless I missed something no prop is to blame here.

LabeledaNazi
Guest
LabeledaNazi
6 years ago

Um people voted the prop in. So yes people and the prop are to blam. Mostly the Bay Area…they fuk up everything for California. [edit] who live in a distorted eutopia dillusion that drug addicts and criminals are not the problem.

But…my argument is futile,im white and I voted,there for I have been Labled A Nazi

LabeledaNazi
Guest
LabeledaNazi
6 years ago
Reply to  LabeledaNazi

Can I say Daisy’s instead of panzys kym?

LabeledaNazi
Guest
LabeledaNazi
6 years ago
Reply to  Kym Kemp

Fine. Agree

oryoucould
Guest
oryoucould
6 years ago
Reply to  LabeledaNazi

1. Sigh. Your republicans are the ones who consistently vote DOWN prison funding, O.K.?
2. There are criminals everywhere. Hardly unique to our great state.
3. If multiple people are calling you a nazi, there is probably a reason.

Antichrist
Guest
Antichrist
6 years ago
Reply to  oryoucould

Hrmm maybe if such a large amount of a population is deemed crimminals the laws should be changed, freedom for all not just for those that believe like you. I find it hard to think that the answer to todays problems are locking up and housing so many people , sitting there wasting away such a sad waste of life

Peggy Sarver
Guest
6 years ago

I . Totally agree. no empathy no sympathy no compassion… they are drugged-out heartless Souls

Antichrist
Guest
Antichrist
6 years ago
Reply to  Peggy Sarver

So you know who did this ? Since you know so much about them. Or are you just adding more drama on those “others” without any proof ? Just because you dont like a certain type of person, doesnt give you the right to accuse those of every crime that they might or might not have commited. You remember the old saying about pointing fingers, there are always more pointing back at you.

Life is Good
Guest
Life is Good
6 years ago

Let’s not forget the workers that will likely go unpaid for days missed.

Peggy Sarver
Guest
6 years ago
Reply to  Life is Good

Amen

superd
Guest
superd
6 years ago
Reply to  Life is Good

always getting shortshrift

Dirtywhiteboy
Guest
6 years ago

All that stuff added up is about 10 grand the workers are commiting insurance fraud and have to make a police report

John Ripper
Guest
John Ripper
6 years ago
Reply to  Dirtywhiteboy

How do you know what it`s going to cost to repair the drilling machine? I can`t find anything specific here other than it`s heavily damaged. Do you have any other info? Perhaps an itemized list of your estimated cost would elucidate this.

LabeledaNazi
Guest
LabeledaNazi
6 years ago
Reply to  John Ripper

Shipping that driller south n back probley costs 10k. Get a clue!

Dirt worker
Guest
Dirt worker
6 years ago
Reply to  Dirtywhiteboy

@dirtywhiteboy You clearly have never repaired equipment…

Antichrist
Guest
Antichrist
6 years ago
Reply to  Dirt worker

Lock kits are around 150 per lock plus .5 hour labor glass is under 5 k for all mentioned , so with the exceptions some dents and needing to repair crane , well under 10 k , now lets talk crane , hyd line are spendy but not to bad , lets say 15 hoses at a cost of around 15k to be generous and lets say 20 hours to replace at what 85 a hour , then recert machine . Still well under 100k let alone 500k

Antichrist
Guest
Antichrist
6 years ago
Reply to  Kym Kemp

Well i didnt price out everything you listed either , still not all that much, cb radio, 200 tops installed , 2 tires under 1k installed . Guess it just depends on how you repair it, but dents happen with equipment .

Peggy Sarver
Guest
6 years ago
Reply to  Dirtywhiteboy

Hu mmmmm mr. Know it all seems kind of fishy

Mariahgirl
Guest
Mariahgirl
6 years ago
Reply to  Dirtywhiteboy

If you read the entire article the list is only for West Coast Contractors and does not include the loss to D.J. Scheffler and Nye so it could reach $500,000 for repairs and replacements.

homer
Guest
homer
6 years ago

Wonder if the company has looked into past employees and anybody they fired! Just a thought… or maybe a competitor lost the bid on the job and hired a low life to do the damage. Pretty sad to see Humboldt go down hill so fast !!!

Noneya
Guest
Noneya
6 years ago
Reply to  homer

Emergency Work jobs don’t go out to bid. They are handed to the contractor by Caltrans.

Antichrist
Guest
Antichrist
6 years ago
Reply to  Noneya

How nice, zero incentive to work quick or keep costs down, sounds like a nice winter gravy job to me.

Honeydew Bridge C.H.U.M.P.
Guest

marijuana growers…

Lost Croat Outburst
Guest
Lost Croat Outburst
6 years ago

Juicers on a tear.

Conservative Stupidity
Guest
Conservative Stupidity
6 years ago

Give thanks for them.

Bob harris
Guest
Bob harris
6 years ago

Drugs brings out a lot of things in individuals but working this hard to sabotage, destroy equipment and steal tools usually isn’t one of them. I believe it’s closer to home at the contractor(s) door?

Antichrist
Guest
Antichrist
6 years ago
Reply to  Bob harris

Maybe the contractor wasnt going to make completetion date and is trying to not lose his shirt on the job. That or some misguided epic folk.

john
Guest
john
6 years ago
Reply to  Kym Kemp

The key here is “The vandal/s took a lot of time and energy in order to do so much damage at the site”. That likely rules out local kids, even tweekers. Hand drilling in to a hydraulic line takes patience. I believe it might be called environmental terrorism. The anger against the realignment of Richardson Grove, while warranted, may have just turned much more serious. While violence is never the answer, it is frequently the solution, however misguided it is.

Guest
Guest
Guest
6 years ago
Reply to  john

Anyone who condones law breaking because they are angry at a wrong and thinks that is an answer needs to be very careful about defining ‘wrong.’ Way, way too often what is really called a wrong is simply opinion, which angers when it is dismissed.

john
Guest
john
6 years ago
Reply to  Guest

Agreed 100%, and anyone involved in this should be behind bars.

local observer
Guest
local observer
6 years ago
Reply to  john

its also called insurance fraud. machine drilling through drill rig mechanical equipment can be performed locally at East Bay Hydraulics and North Coast Fabricators.

Antichrist
Guest
Antichrist
6 years ago
Reply to  Kym Kemp

Well i would much rather have a system, where people in general were innocent until there was proven guilt. But imo most seem to have their own little section of persons they hate, so those get accused right out the gate before the crime was even proven.
I would bet this was something very differant than tweaker crime though,.

Guest
Guest
Guest
6 years ago
Reply to  Antichrist

Emergency Work projects aren’t put out to bid. There aren’t set working days or a completion date. Caltrans pays labor+material+mark-up until they feel the project is satisfactory.

Livin' Easy
Guest
Livin' Easy
6 years ago

Set up some old pos “bait” equipment and rig them with small explosives. Boom….problem solved and eliminated!

Lost Croat Outburst
Guest
Lost Croat Outburst
6 years ago

OK with me, Ed. We’re the Justice League of Language. Friggin’ aye yeah!

Covelo or busted
Guest
Covelo or busted
6 years ago

Inside job, someone pissed someone else off REALLY bad.

Trucker Don
Guest
Trucker Don
6 years ago

Antifa ? Just a thought!

S. Mayhem
Guest
S. Mayhem
6 years ago

Could have been the monkey wrench gang.

LabeledaNazi
Guest
LabeledaNazi
6 years ago
Reply to  S. Mayhem

.

Sparklemahn
Guest
Sparklemahn
6 years ago
Reply to  LabeledaNazi

My plumber must be in that gang.

G-MAS
Guest
G-MAS
6 years ago

I hope these assholes get caught,been there done that. We know how they feel. So so sorry.we have also had the same shit happen to us. Took us awhile to get over it. Thank goodness things can be repaired and replaced but at a cost to all of us. This kind of childish behavior hurts all of us. Work will continue you’ve stopped things for a moment.

Perspective
Guest
Perspective
6 years ago

This seems a little more aggressive than just a simple vandalizing.

On a side note, the tools stolen should be tools that the workers take home with them or have locked in a lock box of some sort. Not blaming or any crap like that. Thats just the first thing I thought of when reading the list.

wantstoknow
Guest
wantstoknow
6 years ago

perhaps somebody thought the damage to the equipment was less than what was being done to the earth…

Guest
Guest
Guest
6 years ago
Reply to  wantstoknow

Luddites? NIMBYs?

I feel that many pot grows are damaging to the earth yet their users brush that off as an inconvenient truth. As long as it serves their wants.

Common sense is gone
Guest
6 years ago

Curious if the contractor worked Friday of the Holiday weekend?
I traveled out of area and noticed people that were on sight but found it odd they worked through the Holiday

libturd nuggetts
Guest
libturd nuggetts
6 years ago

it was either an #insidejob or the #russiancollusion

Thieves Suck
Guest
Thieves Suck
6 years ago

F*kn thieves! Want the road fixed? Then leave the contractor’s stuff alone! I hate thieves!

M T
Guest
M T
6 years ago

Sad to hear what happened. Why not have a Camera or 2 on such expensive equipment? Just Sayin…. will be worth the investment. As far as the Grammar Nazis out there…. take a chill pill, PLEASE!!

MrsT
Guest
MrsT
6 years ago

Her today, gone tomorrow…Bummer

Sparklemahn
Guest
Sparklemahn
6 years ago
Reply to  MrsT

I know one thing: none of us bloggers did this. We have too much integrity. Sarcasm absolutely NOT intended. Thank you good people: there are way too few of you.

Mark Davis
Guest
Mark Davis
6 years ago

Damn what assholes..they were probably neighbors downhill and your work severed their decades old waterlines illegally supplying their gardens downhill. Had to go broke buying water this year..what assholes.

wantstoknow
Guest
wantstoknow
6 years ago

some of you folks have very active imaginations…

Steve
Guest
Steve
6 years ago

Saw a pretty ragady dude walking north of Redway with what appeared to be a pretty nice/new Stihl chainsaw. Def not something a random homeless dude would drop 500 bucks on. Keep your eyes peeled folks.

Wharf
Guest
Wharf
6 years ago

Maybe with all that equipment they should hire a security guard at night.
Who leaves all that investment unattended?

anonymous
Guest
anonymous
6 years ago
Reply to  Wharf

anybody ask dean hicks about it?