The Johnston County Sheriff’s Office is encouraging people to be aware of their surroundings in public restrooms following an incident last week at a public restroom used by hundreds of people each day.
At least six separate peep holes were discovered in bathroom stalls at the Interstate 40 Rest Area near Benson. The holes were found in both the eastbound and westbound rest room facilities. Officials said the holes were only in the men’s bathrooms and not in the women’s restrooms.
Some of the holes drilled in the walls of the stalls were as large as a half inch.
“Be aware of your surroundings,” cautioned Johnston County Sheriff’s Captain Jeff Caldwell. “If you notice holes or anything out of place bring it to the attention of the employees or law enforcement.”
Rest area officials said the peep holes made sometime between Jan. 24th and Jan. 28th. However it was not reported to law enforcement until Monday.
This is not the first crime reported at the Johnston County I-40 Rest Stop. In November, someone stole the entire video security system from the facility. It was valued at $7,500.
Authorities tell us the security system was replaced with a new one after the theft and it was operational during the incidents last week. Officials are in the process of reviewing the security footage to try and identify the person or persons responsible.
Anyone who has information that could help detectives is asked to contact the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office at 919-989-5000.
So far no one has come forward saying they were the victim of a peeping tom at the rest stop.
A spokesperson for the NC DOT said repairs were made to the stalls as quickly as possible. Damage from the incidents was estimated at $4,800.
