HAWK POINT – A local animal shelter is offering a reward for the arrest of the individuals responsible for cutting a fuel line to their van.

PALS officials believe the line was cut sometime between Dec. 28-31 while it was parked outside the Hawk Point animal shelter.

“Not only is this sort of damage and vandalism reprehensible on its own, but it also posed a serious safety risk to our volunteers driving the van and any animals being transported,” stated PALS President Jennifer Raeker-Bikel. In an interview with the Journal, Raeker-Bikel said a volunteer was filling the vehicle with gasoline when she noticed gas pouring out on the ground at the Hawk Point station. The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department is investigating the vandalism and Raeker-Bikel said the mechanic that repaired the van stated it appeared the line was cut with a large knife. “If you or anyone you know has information regarding who cut the van’s line or who else may have been involved, please contact PALS and/or the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department, as soon as possible,” Raeker-Bikel stated. “This is an incredibly serious and unfortunate situation – and we are doing everything we can to try to find the responsible parties and prevent this from ever happening again.”

Anyone with information is encouraged to call Raeker-Bickel at 314-581-6651 or Deputy Harrington with the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department.