El Paso County deputies searching for person who used wind turbine for shooting practice

The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office says someone caused tens of thousands of dollars in damage to a turbine at the Golden West Energy Center in Calhan.

Investigators say the person fired a single high powered rifle round at turbine number 35 near the intersection of N. Yoder Rd. and Heaston Rd. Damage is estimated between $20,000 and $250,000. It is still being assessed.

The sheriff’s office points out that the Golden West Energy Center has been at the center of controversy with some people who opposed the project.

Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call Deputy Scott Brettell with the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, Rural Enforcement Unit at 719-352-5033 or 719-390-5555.

NextEra Energy is offering a reward for information leading to an arrest and prosecution.