FBI Offering $25,000 For Arrest Of Man Who Damaged SCE Substation

TORRANCE, CA — The Federal Bureau of Investigation is offering up to $25,000 to anybody who has information that could lead to the arrest of a man who allegedly caused an electrical substation system failure.

According to the FBI, the suspect attempted to destroy a Southern California Edison electrical substation in Torrance on Aug. 20, 2023 in the 21700 block of Madrona Avenue. Investigators said the man shot one of the transformers and turned off various circuit breakers.

"An unknown suspect or group attempted to destroy and cause a system failure of a Southern California Edison electrical substation by shooting one of the transformers and turning off various circuit breakers," said Laura Eimiller of the FBI. "No one was injured during the incident, but property was significantly damaged."

The suspect was described as a man who wore a tan overcoat with a hood, black pants and boots.

"Vandalizing or destroying electrical equipment can cause power outages, require costly repairs, and lead to serious physical injury or death," Eimiller said. "Each incident of tampering could constitute a felony charge, including federal charges for damaging interstate transmission lines. The FBI and the Torrance Police Department are investigating this incident with the assistance and cooperation of Southern California Edison."

Anyone with information about the incident was urged to contact the FBI's toll-free tip line at 1-800-225-5324. Tips can also be submitted by calling the Los Angeles FBI office at 310-477-6565 or can be submitted online at tips.FBI.gov.

City News Service contributed to this report.