Vandals wielding firearms are suspected of causing a major power outage across a North Carolina county that has plunged about 45,000 customers into darkness amid freezing temperatures, according to authorities.
Evidence of sabotage was found at two key electrical substations following the massive blackout Saturday night, prompting the Moore County Sheriff’s Office to investigate the incident as a “criminal occurrence” and call in the FBI to assist in the probe.
Jeff Brooks, spokesman for Duke Energy, the local public utility, said the two electrical substations were severely damage in the attacks and much of the equipment will have to be replaced. He said it could be until Thursday when power is completely restored.