Saint Croix National Scenic River (WI)
Man Arrested For Blowing Up Restroom
On March 9th, the park received a report of vandalism at Old Railroad Landing, a remote camping, trail and boat launch area. Upon investigation, it was determined that the specially constructed, flood-proof restroom facility had been destroyed by what appeared to have been a bomb. Ranger Rod Turner (lead investigator) coordinated a multi-agency investigation team that included the Chisago County Sheriff's Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Evidence painstakingly collected and documented at the scene indicated that the explosive device was a PVC pipe bomb, and, through forensic analysis, a suspect was identified. Further investigation and subsequent search warrants and subpoenas revealed that the suspect, Travis Chinander, had purchased the material to construct the bomb at local stores. Chinander was arrested on state felony charges and is awaiting federal charges. The investigation continues but no specific reason for the bombing has yet been identified. Replacement costs for the facility are estimated at over $60,000.