HAWKINS COUNTY, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) — A man is in custody following an investigation into vandalism and burglaries involving multiple communications towers that temporarily disrupted emergency communications services in Hawkins County.
According to the Hawkins County Sheriff’s Office, vandals targeted the county’s communications tower along with several cellular and privately owned communications towers during the overnight hours Sunday.
Officials said the damage resulted in communications outages that affected portions of the county’s emergency communications system.
Despite the disruption, the Hawkins County Emergency Management Agency and the county’s E-911 director worked to restore emergency services. Authorities reported that communications capabilities were back online shortly after 5 a.m. Sunday.
Investigators quickly launched a search for those responsible and, by Sunday afternoon, deputies had taken a suspect into custody.
The sheriff’s office also reported recovering items believed to be connected to the burglaries and acts of vandalism.
Authorities have not released the suspect’s identity or announced specific charges at this time. Additional details about the extent of the damage and the value of the recovered property have also not been released.
Sheriff’s officials say the investigation remains active and ongoing, and more information is expected as detectives continue processing evidence and reviewing the circumstances surrounding the case.
The incident highlights the critical role communications infrastructure plays in supporting public safety operations, including emergency dispatch and first responder communications.
Officials have not indicated whether additional suspects may be involved.
