Vandals destroy equipment at Bob Hall Pier

Several people jumped a fence, broke into a building, and threw tools and equipment into the water. Police are looking for the suspects.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — At Bob Hall Pier, construction on a new restaurant is facing a setback, according to police.

Several people jumped a fence surrounding the structure, broke into the building, and removed multiple pieces of equipment and tools, then dropped them into the water, according to Scott Cross with Nueces County Coastal Parks

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Nothing was stolen, he said. But, according to Cross, they threw a generator, tools, fans, tables, chairs, and even the blueprints into the water.

Cross said that’s all ruined now. However, the vandals were recorded by surveillance cameras jumping the fence.

The Nueces County Sheriff’s Office told 3NEWS that they are aware of the situation and working together with the Corpus Christi Police Department to gather information.

Scott Cross, Director of Nueces County Coastal Parks, said four people jumped a fence surrounding the construction site and entered the building. While nothing was stolen, Cross said multiple pieces of equipment, furniture and the project’s blueprints were damaged after being thrown into the water.

“A generator, some very expensive shop fans, a chair, tables, even the blueprints. They had to throw the blueprints in the ocean. I think my contractor was more upset about the blueprints,” Cross said.

Cross said the damaged items are now ruined.

“So we filed a police report because it happened on county property, but the contractor will file a police report for damages,” Cross said.

The vandalism leaves Coastal Parks officials working to replace the damaged equipment while trying to keep construction on track.

“It’s just disappointing. It’s like, I mean, we’re trying to do something good for the community here, trying to recover this project and we’re making great progress. We got the pier opened initially before we’re done with everything,” Cross said.

Cross said the individuals were recorded by surveillance cameras jumping the fence at the construction site.

The Nueces County Sheriff’s Office told 3NEWS it is aware of the incident and is working with the Corpus Christi Police Department to gather information and review video. Deputies have also been investigating the scene.

Corpus Christi police encouraged anyone with information about the incident to contact Corpus Christi Crime Stoppers or call 888-TIPS (8477).

For community members like Patrick and Herlinda Chapa, Bob Hall Pier is more than just a popular destination. The couple said they first met there nearly 60 years ago and continue returning every summer.

“We met on this pier April 9th, 1966 on an Easter weekend. Linda was fishing with her dad. I was fishing with my uncle. We met on the pier about 7:30 in the morning,” Patrick Chapa said.

They said the pier remains a special place in their lives.

“We just celebrated our 55th anniversary, August 21st,” Patrick said. “So we come here quite often.”

“It’s got beautiful memories for us,” Herlinda said.

The Chapas said they were heartbroken to learn the site had been vandalized again. But Patrick said the damage cannot take away the memories Bob Hall Pier holds for generations of visitors.

“Unbelievable what people do is that no matter what you do, you’re not going to erode the memories of good times that millions and billions of people have had here. They can’t erase that,” Chapa said.

This is a developing story.

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