Reward Offered In Spectrum Fiber Optic Line Vandalism

JOHNSTON COUNTY — Spectrum is offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for intentionally cutting a fiber optic line in eastern Johnston County, an act that disrupted communications across parts of two counties.

According to the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office, the vandalism occurred in the early morning hours of September 25, when unknown suspects cut and removed approximately 100 feet of fiber optic cable along the 1700 block of Rains Mill Road, outside Princeton.

The incident caused a temporary outage that affected residents and businesses in the eastern Johnston County, the Pikeville area of Wayne County, Wayne County Public Schools, and limited cell phone service in the immediate area.

Spectrum officials said the cost of emergency repairs and replacement was approximately $150,000.

Company representatives said the attack is part of a growing national trend of vandalism targeting telecommunications infrastructure. Such acts not only cause costly damage but also pose serious public safety risks, particularly when emergency communications are affected.

Between June and December 2024, more than 6,000 incidents of vandalism against communications infrastructure were reported across the country, according to industry data.

In a separate incident earlier this year, on April 5, 2025, a Spectrum fiber line was intentionally cut along NC 210 in Smithfield, temporarily impacting service in parts of western Johnston County.

Spectrum is urging anyone with information about the September 25 vandalism near Princeton to contact the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office at 919-989-5010.