Police investigate streetcar sabotage attempt

King County sheriff's deputies were investigating a prank in which a golf-ball sized metal bearing was placed on the track of the city's new South Lake Union streetcar, possibly in an attempt to damage it during its inaugural run.

A streetcar operator noticed the bearing as he approached near Westlake Avenue and Thomas Street, and called police. It was unlikely the bearing would have derailed the streetcar, but it could have caused damage, sheriff's Sgt. John Urquhart said.

It was reported about 5:15 p.m.

Despite civic leaders hailing the $52 million streetcar line, it has been controversial among area residents. During the opening run, a bicyclist group organized a protest to call attention to the dangers of streetcars for bicyclists.

The Sheriff's Office has no suspects.

"We have no idea what their motive was, no idea who put that there and we're not going to speculate," Urquhart said.