Prince George RCMP are investigating an incident that occurred earlier this week, which has resulted in nearly $1 million worth of damages to a local company.
On July 5, 2026, shortly after 10 a.m., frontline police officers were called to the Chief Lake Road area, where an excavator was located on fire in a heavily wooded area. The Chief Lake Volunteer Fire department attended quickly to prevent the fire from spreading.
Further investigation determined that it had been stolen from a nearby mine site, where it was used to in part to destroy a rock truck at the site. Police officers conducted a thorough search but did not locate anyone in the vicinity.
“Investigators currently believe that individuals local to the area may be responsible for this incident. We are asking for anyone with knowledge of those involved to please contact our non-emergency line or to anonymously submit a tip through Northern B.C. Crime Stoppers,” said Corporal Jennifer Cooper, Media Relations Officer for the Prince George RCMP.
The Investigative Services Team has assumed conduct of this investigation, which remains ongoing.