MCMINNVILLE-TENNESSEE - The Warren County Sheriff’s Office, in conjunction with the Tennessee Office of Homeland Security, is investigating a surge in targeted vandalism that has caused over $100,000 in damages to critical infrastructure. Be sure to scroll down to take a look at more photos and a larger picture of the photo above this article.
Since early March, authorities have responded to a series of incidents in the Centertown and Jacksboro areas involving the destruction of road signs and telecommunications equipment. The primary target has been equipment belonging to Ben Lomand Connect, a regional provider of fiber internet, digital TV, and security services. The damage has resulted in significant internet outages for local residents and businesses.
According to investigators, the vandalism involves suspects shooting both road signs and fiber optic hardware. Due to the involvement of telecommunications infrastructure, state homeland security agents have joined the probe.
On Friday night, the Sheriff’s Department issued an updated request for public assistance. They are specifically asking residents in the 2000 block of Smoot Road and Caney Branch Road to review surveillance footage from April 18, 2026, between 7:20 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
The investigation has identified several locations of interest dating back to March 5:
-
Airport Lake Road and Nola Lane: Road signs shot; witnesses reported a dark-colored car, possibly a Nissan or BMW.
-
Jacksboro Road and Bertha Owen Road: Ben Lomand Connect equipment shot and disabled.
-
Caney Branch Road, Petigap, and Ivy Bluff Trail: Multiple reports of equipment damage.
-
Shelbyville Road: Additional infrastructure targeted.
While investigators have not confirmed if the dark-colored vehicles seen near the road sign incidents are linked to the telecommunications damage, they are treating the possibilities as related.
Can You Help? Authorities are also looking to speak with anyone who was in the vicinity of the Morrison Speedway on the evening of April 18. Anyone with information or video footage is urged to contact Warren County Sheriff Investigator Matt Taylor at (931) 473-7863 or via email at mtaylor@warrencountytn.gov.
