North Carolina police say they are seeking approved search warrants, while the FBI seeks cell phone records, in search of the person or persons responsible for opening fire at two electrical substations in Moore County during the weekend, leaving 45,000 without power.
Richard Maness, deputy chief of the Moore County Sheriff’s Office, told The News & Observer that detectives sought court approval for several arrest warrants but declined to provide details or say if they were approved. Police have yet to identify any suspects.
“We’re looking at all the people from all walks of life who had experience and knowledge of the power grid and what could potentially disable it,” Maness said.
He added that detectives have “collected multiple casings” on Duke Energy property as part of the investigation.
FBI JOINS SOUTH CAROLINA INVESTIGATION OF POSSIBLE SABOTAGE AT POWER PLANT
Equipment at the West End Substation, at 6910 NC Hwy 211 in West End, North Carolina, on December 5, where an attack on critical infrastructure caused a power outage in much of the Southern Pines area.
(AP Photo/Karl B. DeBlaker)
The FBI is also looking for cell phone records that may indicate who was near the substations Saturday night, agency spokeswoman Shelley Lynch told The Associated Press.
EXPERTS WARN OF MORE ATTACKS ON THE POWER GRID AFTER POWER WAS RESTORED IN CENTRAL NORTH CAROLINA
The blackouts began after one or more people made their way to two substations, broke down the doors and opened fire on them, authorities said.
A view of the substation as work was carried out on December 5 after tens of thousands lost power in Moore County, North Carolina.
(Peter Zay/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
The damage cut power to 45,000 customers, as well as schools and a hospital. By Wednesday, Duke Energy said on its website that all equipment damaged in the attack had been repaired or replaced and power had been gradually restored to customers as testing and restoration finished.
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Residents at Reds Food Truck Corner in Southern Pines, North Carolina, having lunch while power was out in the area on Monday, December 5.
(AP Photo/Karl B. DeBlaker)
The state, county and Duke Energy are offering combined rewards of up to $75,000 total for information leading to an arrest and conviction for the attack.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the Moore County Sheriff’s Office for further comment.
Associated Press contributed to this report.
