Oregon State Police are taking the lead on a case where a sandstone rock formation was pushed over by tourists. KLCC’s Brian Bull reports.
Parks and Rec spokesman Chris Havel says police want to determine what violations of state park rules and Oregon laws were committed when visitors toppled the “duckbill” formation at Cape Kiwanda late last month. Havel says there’s no way to restore the rock pedestal.
“It’s a pile of sandstone dust now.”
Havel adds that the people captured on video haven’t been identified yet.
“Everyone’s of course hoping that they’ll simply step forward, and save everybody the time of trying to figure out who they are," says Havel. "Somebody knows the people who are pictured.”
Social media is both a blessing and a curse, he adds. The phone video and its distribution have alerted people to the incident. But Havel says it also lead people to the fenced-off area at Cape Kiwanda to climb, stand on, and ultimately knock over the large but fragile rock formation.
NOTE: Oregon State Police say people with tips can call 1-800-452-7888 or email them to osppio@state.or.us.