Police stumped on Cape Kiwanda ‘duckbill rock’ vandalism, want public's help
PACIFIC CITY — Almost six months after video captured a group of people knocking down an iconic pedestal-shaped rock at Cape Kiwanda, state police say they’ve “exhausted all their information.”
The investigation into vandalism that took place in late August remains open, but is inactive until additional information comes in, said Lt. Mark Duncan with the Oregon State Police.
Located in a fenced-off area of a state natural area on the Oregon Coast, the rock, often known as “the duckbill,” was a popular spot for people to take pictures and post it to social media websites like Instagram.
On Aug. 29, video taken by Hillsboro resident David Kalas showed a group of people knocking the rock down.
Kalas told KATU News that when he asked the group why they knocked it down, “the reply I got was: their buddy broke their leg earlier because of that rock," Kalas said. "They basically told me themselves that it was a safety hazard, and that they did the world or Oregon a favor."
The story went viral online, with news organizations from around the world briefly covering it. Interest quickly faded, however, and despite the video and online theories, Duncan said the trail simply went dry.
“They thought they had leads on who it was, but it didn’t work out,” Duncan said. “We’re waiting for additional leads or eyewitness accounts to prove who it was.
“We have a desire to bring the people who did it to justice, but we can’t put forth any more resources until someone comes forward.”
Anyone with information can call the Tillamook County Sheriff’s office at (503) 842-2561.
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