Two arrested after causing nearly 20,000 service outages in Burke County

BURKE COUNTY, N.C. – Two individuals have been arrested after damaging utility lines in Burke County.

Burke County Sheriff’s officers responded to the area of Highway 70 near Old Highway 70 Loop. It was reported that fiber communication lines had been cut, resulting in approximately 20,000 service outages.

An investigation was conducted and detectives identified two suspects in connection with the incident. Hershel Davis, 49, and Janet McDaniel, 55, arrested by the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office and transported to the Burke County Jail.

Hershal Davis was charged with felony injuring utility wires/fixtures and received a $100,000 secured bond.

Janet McDaniel was charged with felony injuring utility wires/fixtures and misdemeanor possession of a schedule III controlled substance. She received a $55,000 secured bond.