Carlisle, PA – A startling incident at a construction materials plant saw a recently dismissed worker wielding a chainsaw in a dangerous episode that risked causing a catastrophic explosion. Richard Sauder, 46, from Perry County, faces multiple charges after he allegedly damaged property and threatened coworkers at the Carlisle Construction Materials facility.
Sauder, who had been terminated earlier that day for reasons linked to “safety concerns,” reportedly broke into the plant late Tuesday night. Armed with a chainsaw, he is accused of cutting through hoses used to transport flammable liquids and other components critical to the facility’s operations.
Police detailed how Sauder entered the property by maneuvering around a closed gate and into a secure area where tanker trucks offload highly volatile chemicals. He used the chainsaw to sever three hoses, risking the release of these flammable substances.
The facility, known for its strict safety protocols due to the volatile nature of the chemicals mixed there, prohibits any electronic devices that could generate sparks. Sauder’s actions, therefore, posed an immediate danger, with nearly 20 employees present during the incident.
Following the destruction outside, Sauder continued his rampage inside the plant, targeting a woodshed and then moving towards Plant 6. He made his entrance through an exterior loading dock, where he further used the chainsaw to damage two rubber gaskets on a dust collection system designed to handle flammable powder. The powder’s ignition could have resulted in a severe explosion due to its composition.
Inside Plant 6, Sauder started his chainsaw multiple times and swung it over his head, endangering the fleeing employees. His reckless handling of the chainsaw near combustible materials like cardboard boxes amplified the risk of igniting a fire or explosion.
Plant management expressed disbelief that the incident did not result in more severe consequences, especially given the potential for a spark to ignite from metal contact. The fire suppression systems contained within the dust collection unit, damaged during Sauder’s assault, underscored the severe risk posed by his actions.
The extent of the damage has prompted repairs estimated to cost over $5,000. Sauder was arrested and taken to Cumberland County Prison, with charges including burglary, criminal mischief, and multiple counts of recklessly endangering another person, among others.
He remains in custody under a $49,000 cash bond, with a preliminary hearing scheduled for later this month. The community and employees at Carlisle Construction Materials are left shaken by the event, reflecting on the unforeseen dangers that can erupt in the workplace.