Authorities investigate vandalism that cut off gas in Aspen

摘要

Authorities yesterday were investigating the vandalism of Aspen's natural gas system that left thousands ofresidents and visitors without gas in the middle of the busy holiday tourist season.Investigators hope graffiti left behind might lead to those responsible.Gas valves were turned off at three locations in the system that supplies natural gas to the ski resort townSaturday night, Aspen Assistant Police Chief Bill Linn said. At two locations, "Earth First!" was found written onpipes, he said.The environmental group has not claimed or denied responsibility for the outage, Linn said. Investigators havebeen in contact with the group, which indicated that it typically takes credit for actions it performs, he said.