Optimum network outage caused by vandalism, officials say

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- Optimum customers in St. Joseph may have noticed a network outage over the weekend, one that was caused by vandalism, according to officials.

"Vandals blatantly cut Optimum's fiber-optic network infrastructure in search of copper to steal- resulting in consumers and businesses losing their internet connectivity," according to a news release.

Optimum said it reported the incident to local authorities and emphasized the unnecessary disruption to not only itself and customers but also to law enforcement.

"These crimes disrupt vital services such as 911 emergency calling, putting public safety at risk and highlighting a growing challenge for service providers and residents alike," the release detailed.