More fire extinguishers reported stolen

All of Trinity High School's fire extinguishers were stolen over the weekend, said Rocky Cofer, principal. The incident brings the number of stolen extinguishers in Dickinson up to nearly 20.

"We're trying to figure out if somebody got a key or if somebody hid out in here after the doors were locked and let some other students in," Cofer said. "It doesn't look like there was forced entry or broken windows or anything like that."

Dickinson Police Capt. Dustin Dassinger, said eight fire extinguishers were taken from the building, and nine were taken from ARC Housing Memorial Day weekend.

Two of the Trinity extinguishers have been found.

One was found by the North Pool on Fairway and the other was found on 900 block of 15th Street West, Dassinger said. Both had been discharged.

"They're not damaged, they just need to be recharged and they can still be reused," Dassinger said.

Some of the extinguishers taken from the ARC building have been found throughout the city, he added.

"It appears that somebody is taking fire extinguishers from these buildings, discharging them and then just throwing them wherever," Dassinger said.

An extinguisher from a condominium was also turned in by a resident.

"I don't believe that those people even reported that one missing," Dassinger said.

A couple of extinguishers were taken from Trinity about the last day of school, too, Cofer said.

Two replacements were purchased which were among the missing Saturday morning.

The school may install security cameras, he added.

"We've been talking about doing it for the last year or so and this is just one more thing that would make it a good idea," Cofer said. "I think we're going to get real serious about getting something put in."

He is unsure when the school will replace the extinguishers and said they cost about $100 each.

The thief or thieves, if caught, could also be ordered to pay restitution for the extinguishers, Dassinger said.

If caught, they would face misdemeanor theft charges, he added. The maximum penalty is 30 days in prison and $1,000 fine.

Randy Jilek, proprietor of Western Fire and Safety in Dickinson, said he's heard of people stealing extinguishers before.

"You get some kids that get into fire extinguisher fights and they'll shoot at each other and that's kind of the end of it," Jilek said. "It's uncommon to have a bunch of them like that missing at once."

Pat Krank, service technician at Western Fire and Safety, said extinguishers contain ammonium sulfate.

"It will cause some irritation -- between your eyes and respiratory," Jilek said. "If you work in it all day, you should wear a dust mask. If it's a matter of shooting it off, it will kind of take your breath away."

Dassinger said the thefts are possibly related. Police have no suspects and are investigating.

Those with information regarding the thefts can call the Dickinson Police Department at 701-456-1159.