Vandal Cuts Power, Traffic Signal Lines in Delaware

BEAR, Del. – Delaware State Police are investigating vandalism to fiber optic and power lines that disabled traffic signals near Bear.

Police say someone cut both lines at the intersection of Route 896 and Howell School Road Monday afternoon.

Delaware Department of Transportation officials and police believe someone intentionally cut the lines, which deactivated the area's traffic signals. Both lines were located underground and covered by a concrete lid.

To cut the fiber optic lines, police said someone would need an industrial tool. A smaller tool could have been used to cut the power line.

The vandalism caused $8,000 in damage and risked drivers' safety. Police said there were no car accidents while the traffic signals were out of service.