Possible security compromise after lightning strikes security light pole

Fargo, ND (WDAY TV) - The storm overnight caused an unexpected problem at the Cass County Jail, a possible security compromise. Lightning struck an outside security light pole causing a power outage, including the jail's cameras that look over inmates. WDAY 6 Reporter Travis Skonseng joins us live with the latest.

The lightning hit this pole around four this morning. It shattered the security light that watches movements outside the jail. These pieces of glass are what remain at the scene, but things aren't back to normal yet.

An unusual night for officials at the Cass County Jail, lightning knocked out power, leaving everyone in darkness for about 20 minutes.

The facility houses serious criminals like murderers and rapists to those with driving violations. Overnight, there were about 150 people in custody.

“Some cameras offline briefly, people coming to make sure functioning.”

Of the jail's two hundred cameras, the exterior ones were mostly affected. About 12 aren't working tonight, others are hazy at times.

“There were no issues keep inmates locked down or restrict movements.”

Things are slowly getting back to normal after a busy, unusual day at the jail. Electrical and camera crews have restored power, replaced fuse panels, and are now working on the exterior security system.

“A potentially very bad situation turned out good as far as nobody got hurt and no one was not safe.”

During the outage, there were no problems with the jail's doors. Also, there are night light's throughout to help guards check on inmates. The lightning caused about 35 thousand dollars in damage.