Targeted attack on Duke Energy power grids in Moore County remains unsolved
MOORE COUNTY, N.C. (WTVD) -- On Dec. 3, 2022, two Duke Energy power substations were attacked by gunfire, leaving thousands without electricity for days.
Authorities across several law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, launched an extensive and intensive investigation. They confirmed the attacks were targeted and intentional.
During a news conference the next day, Sheriff Ronnie Fields said, "It was a targeted, intentional attack and was not random."
He said the suspect(s) used guns to cause substantial damage to Duke Energy power stations in Moore County.
Three years later, more than 45,000 people who lost power for a week and the family of 87-year-old Karin Zoanelli, the only known death related to the outage, have no answers on who is responsible.
As questions remain, few details have been released about the investigation.
Fields sent a release earlier this week ahead of the three-year mark.
"I want to reassure our community that our investigation into the power grid attacks remains active and deliberate," Fields said. "I understand the urgency many people still feel, but please know that we remain committed to finding answers. Working alongside our state and federal partners, our detectives have followed every viable lead, interviewed numerous individuals, and devoted significant time and resources to uncovering the facts.
"While certain aspects of the investigation cannot yet be made public, our dedication to identifying and prosecuting those responsible has not wavered. When the time is appropriate, we will release a comprehensive case summary so the community can clearly see the breadth of the work completed," the sheriff added.
ABC11 has put together a timeline of events from that night, based on previous news conferences, interviews and news releases from agencies involved with the investigation.
Timeline: Going Dark
On Dec. 3, 2022: Between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m., two Duke Energy substations went offline because of "intentional impact" damaging multiple pieces of equipment, Jeff Brooks of Duke Energy says.
According to the sheriff, the power outages began in the Carthage area. Shortly thereafter, the outages spread to the central and southern parts of Moore County.
Deputies and Duke Energy crews went to the source of the power failure and found extensive damage at two substations.
The confirmed multiple gunshots were fired at two Duke Energy electrical substations 10 miles apart in West End and Carthage.
The damage caused a huge power outage for nearly 45,000 people that lasted five days.
Evidence at the scene indicated that a firearm had been used to disable the equipment. Moore County deputies, along with officers from other municipalities, the state SBI, and other agencies, assisted throughout the night to provide security at the substations.
Because of the extensive damage, Duke Energy had to bring in special equipment and crews to complete the repairs.
The Moore County attack exposed just how vulnerable the power grid is in North Carolina and nationwide. It led to a new law in NC.
Year Later
December 2023: A new law that will punish those responsible for attacks on power grids and substations went into effect on Dec. 1. The law calls for increased punishments for intentionally damaging or attempting to damage energy facilities received strong bipartisan support in the legislature following electrical substation shootings.
SEE ALSO | One year later, still no arrests in Moore County power-grid attack
The FBI and the Moore County Sheriff's Office released a vehicle of interest in the Moore County substation attack.
The van is likely a silver or light blue, 2011-2017, Honda Odyssey.
The attack took place on Dec. 3, 2022.
Investigators said they believed the people who were in the van may have information relevant to the case.
Investigators are asking anyone who saw the van the night of the shooting to call the FBI at (800) CALL FBI (225-5324) or the Moore County Sheriff's Office tip line at (910) 947-4444.
There is a combined reward up to $100,000.
December 2024: Warrants related to the investigation were unsealed, showing that investigators followed up on lots of tips and leads, and they led to no arrests.
The FBI and the sheriff's office continued to push the photos and reminder of the $100K reward.
WATCH | ABC11 I-Team explores security in place at power substations in light of Moore County attack
Video is from a December 2022 news conference.
