An Oklahoma City man has been charged with multiple felonies after police say he vandalized equipment at News 9’s weather radar site, disabling part of the station’s operations and interrupting access to critical broadcast systems.
According to court documents filed in Oklahoma County, Anthony Tyler Mitchell, 39, is accused of entering the fenced-in News 9 radar facility on the night of July 6 and using a hammer to damage an OG&E electrical meter, a generator transfer switch, and satellite communication lines.
Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond issued the following statement relating to the charges:
“This crime is about much more than vandalism of property,” Drummond said. “Weather radar is not a ‘weather weapon.’ Radar technology is vitally important and saves the lives of countless Oklahomans every year. This individual’s alleged action is not simply wrong; it imperiled public safety. My office is committed to protecting critical infrastructure and holding accountable anyone who willfully damages it.”
The Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office charged Mitchell with three counts:
- Damaging equipment in a critical infrastructure facility,
- Malicious injury or destruction of property over $1,000, and
- Entering with the intent to commit a felony.
Surveillance video reportedly captured Mitchell entering the restricted property and tampering with critical broadcast and electrical equipment, including cutting satellite lines used to receive national emergency messages. According to court filings, Mitchell was identified through police body camera footage and jail booking records. Officers recognized a distinctive T-shirt worn during the incident, featuring a dog on the front and “Martha’s Vineyard” on the back…