The Sheriff’s Department is investigating two cases of vandalism and arson to cell phone and radio towers in Twentynine Palms. On April 6, deputies were notified that someone cut the security fence and attempted to burn the transmitter building at the Z107.7 FM radio tower at the top of Copper Mountain. The building holds the FM transmitters for both Z107.7 and Kix-96 radio stations. On Monday, April 27, deputies were called back to Copper Mountain by a Verizon employee, who said there were multiple gun shots in the panels of the Verizon cell phone tower. The vandals had also painted graffiti of “5G” with a X over it on the front gate. Damage is estimated at more than $100,000. The communications site manager said Verizon does not have 5G equipment at the remote location. Anyone with information should call the Sheriff’s Department at 760-366-4175.
