SUMNER, Wash. — Frayed wires are what's left at one of the newest electric vehicle charging stations in Pierce County, which was brought to town with the help of a local business owner.
Dave Radcliffe, longtime business owner and CEO of The Old Cannery, said its the second time the charging cords have been cut in the span of a few months.
"Unfortunately, they've already been vandalized and it's just a shame," he said.
The charging stations were unveiled on March 7 at The Old Cannery Furniture Warehouse in Sumner. The chargers are Puget Sound Energy's first public electric vehicle (EV) charging station in Pierce County, according to the agency, and installed in partnership with The Old Cannery and the city of Sumner.
PSE said that the new charging station is part of ongoing efforts to provide needed charging and utility infrastructure, and expand transportation electrification benefits throughout Washington.
But just days after all the buzz, thieves left the location owner in shock.
In a statement on March 12, PSE said the agency is aware of "an act of vandalism at its newly opened Sumner EV charging station overnight. The station, located in a well-lit area adjacent to the busy Valley Freeway (SR 167), sustained damage to the electric charging cables. PSE is working with local law enforcement and the property owner to investigate the vandalism.”
The Sumner Police Department confirmed it was aware of a theft incident and that a theft report was made in last month regarding charging cables that were stolen in January.
Radcliffe said they plan to install more lights, add security and install more cameras in the area.