State and federal authorities are investigating an incident on September 30 at a telecommunications facility in the town center of Rincón. It left sectors of the municipality without mobile phone and data service, including the Diagnostic and Treatment Center (CDT), the Mayor’s Office, and businesses and restaurants around the public plaza. According to the Puerto Rico Police, people not yet publicly identified entered the facility and damaged interior and exterior areas, including the roof.
The damage hit communication radios, fiber-optic links, electrical power systems, coaxial cables and other components used by the cellular service providers in the area. The incident was reported to the Police and the FBI. Sources linked to the investigation said the Police have identified a suspect.
Agent Luis Rodríguez, assigned to the Criminal Investigations Corps (CIC) of the Aguadilla command, told Noticel the case is in the investigative stage. Police have not yet established the motive of the person or people responsible. The damaged infrastructure also supports FirstNet service, used by public safety agencies, emergency medical personnel and other first responders. Authorities are considering classifying the incident as an act of terrorism.