Cowboy-clad crook causes $600,000 worth of damage at Woodinville winery
WOODINVILLE, Wash. - Investigators are looking for the person who caused an estimated $600,000 in damage by sabotaging Sparkman Cellars winery in Woodinville, when they intentionally spilled 5000 gallons of vintage wine.
King County Sheriff’s officials say the entered Sparkman Cellars on Nov. 22 through a keypad-locked employee entrance.
Surveillance cameras, located both inside and outside the business, captured the entire incident.
The video shows the crook wearing a cowboy hat and poncho as they walk through the Sparkman Cellars parking area.
The suspect then struts up to the employee's only entrance and casually opens it.
Inside the business, the footage shows gallons of wine flooding the production floor, until the entire warehouse is covered.
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King County Sheriff officials say the suspect emptied two stainless steel wine tanks that held about 2500 gallons in each.
Footage shows the suspect exit through a back door and walk away with an open umbrella.
"It just shows this person wanted to hit this winery as hard as [they] could to take the biggest loss that they could," said Sergeant Eric White with the King County Sheriff's Office.
In a statement to FOX 13, the Sparkman family wrote:
"This is a tough blow for our small family business and was timed to deliver maximum damage right as the holidays get under way. Our team has remained steadfast and focused in the face of this unimaginable crime. We remain committed to delivering superb wines to all our customers and are grateful for the extraordinary outpouring of support from our community of wineries, restaurants, retailers, and wine lovers."
Detectives are still trying to identify the suspect They are asking anyone with information to call the Woodinville Police Department, the King County Sheriff's Office or to submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers of Puget Sound for a cash reward of up to $1,000. Tipsters can text the information through the P3 Tips App on your cell phone, at P3Tips.com or call 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). You will never be asked to give your name.