Fargo police arrested Timothy Windels, 36, for allegedly cutting Midco internet and cable lines at seven locations across the city. The damage caused significant outages for residential and business customers, including Community Family Market, Rodeway Inn, Northwest Pipe Fittings, and Larson Welding and Machine Company. According to court records, Windels was seen using an angle grinder to cut the cables.
An officer also observed him tampering with an electrical box at the Federal Courthouse in north Fargo. Windels’ mother told investigators that he has mental health and drug issues. She said he is fixated on wires, believing the government uses them to track him.
Police arrested Windels on Friday while he had an angle grinder in his possession. He faces four counts of tampering with or damaging a public service. Fargo Police received a report from Midco’s regional engineer manager on August 22 about the damaged lines.
Man arrested for severing Midco cables
Midco estimated the damage to be in the thousands of dollars. After Fargo Police posted Windels’ picture on social media, a family member contacted them.
The family member explained that Windels used to work as an electrician but suffers from mental health and substance use issues. They said Windels had previously cut wires at their family’s home and a Fargo hotel. Police obtained video surveillance showing Windels using a handheld angle grinder to cut cables.
Windels is scheduled to appear in Cass County Court on August 28. He was arrested in less than 24 hours after police shared his information on social media, asking for the public’s help locating him. Fargo Police Capt.
Bill Ahlfeldt credited the public’s assistance in the case. He encouraged people to call the police if they see someone from their “attempt to locate” posts or witness a crime or suspicious activity.
