A Meridian, Idaho, man pleaded guilty in federal court to charges related to shooting a rifle at the power stations at Hells Canyon and Brownlee dams in June.

Randy Scott Vail, 59, pleaded guilty to destruction of an energy facility, said Josh Hurwit, U.S. attorney for Idaho.

According to a press release from Hurwit’s office, the shootings caused at least $546,000, including the loss of energy production at the two dams, which are owned by Idaho Power Co.

Vail is scheduled to be sentenced June 5. He faces a maximum of 20 years in federal prison.

According to court records, late on June 8, 2023, Vail rode his motorcycle to the road across Hells Canyon Dam, where he shot at a power substation, cutting power from the station.

About an hour later, early on June 9, Vail rode his motorcycle to Brownlee Dam, about 30 miles upriver, and again shot a substation.

“As a result, large plumes of sparks were visible in the switch yard of the power plant,” according to the press release.

About 45 minutes after the shooting at Brownlee Dam, a sheriff’s deputy saw Vail on his motorcycle on Highway 71, riding south toward Cambridge, Idaho.

Vail initially failed to stop for police, riding at an estimated 80 mph in a 25 mph zone. After about 3 miles, he stopped and was arrested.

Police found bolt cutters, a guitar case holding two rifles, and live and spent ammunition.

Vail also was carrying two yellow compressed air tanks with gasoline, according to the press release.