Large service outage in Moore County after lines deliberately cut, officials say

MOORE COUNTY, N.C. (WTVD) -- The Moore County Sheriff's Office said Monday that it was investigating after cut lines caused a large service outage for Charter Spectrum customers.

Public safety officials told ABC11 on Sunday that someone intentionally cut fiber-optic lines, causing the outage.

Spectrum called the incident "malicious vandalism." The sheriff's office labeled it an "attempted larceny of wire," and not a targeted attack meant to disrupt.

Damage from the incident is estimated at more than $50,000.

The lines were cut along Old Morgantown Road in Southern Pines. ABC11 saw utility crews there working to repair the lines.

The sheriff's office said Spectrum reported an alarm indicating a loss of service at 3:53 a.m. on Sunday. The Southern Pines Police Department was notified at 10:40 a.m., and later called in the sheriff's office at 12:48 p.m.

The sheriff's office added Monday that the lag time, combined with several hours of repair work, has made the investigation more difficult. That's because of the "challenges for preserving the scene and collecting potential evidence."

Officials also said the outage may affect people's ability to contact emergency officials.

They said that if residents are unable to reach 9-1-1, they should go to their nearest fire station for assistance.

Spectrum customers across a large part of Moore County, including Pinehurst, Seven Lakes, and Carthage, are without internet.

There was no word on when internet service would be restored.

No arrests have been made.

The sheriff's office asks anyone with information to come forward. Tips can be submitted by calling the Sheriff's Office Tip Line at (910) 947-4444 or anonymously through the Moore County Sheriff's Office app. Spectrum is offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible. Anyone with information can contact Spectrum at (833) 404-TIPS (8477) or reach out directly to the Moore County Sheriff's Office.

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