Man Dies While Attempting to Steal Copper Wire from Power Lines in Columbus
A fatal electrocution occurred when someone tried stealing copper from live power lines, causing outages for 200 homes in Columbus early Tuesday morning.
COLUMBUS, OHIO — A man died from electrocution early Tuesday morning while attempting to steal copper wire from utility power lines, according to Franklin County Sheriff’s deputies.
Deputies responded to the scene near the 3400 block of Sullivant Avenue around 4:30 a.m. after receiving reports of a disturbance involving utility equipment. When officers arrived, they discovered the deceased individual near damaged electrical infrastructure.
The Franklin County Coroner’s Office has not yet released the victim’s identity pending notification of family members. An autopsy will be conducted to determine the official cause of death.
Ongoing Investigation
Sheriff’s investigators are working with utility company representatives to assess the extent of damage to the electrical equipment. The incident caused temporary power disruptions to approximately 200 homes in the surrounding neighborhood.
“This appears to be an attempted theft of copper wiring that resulted in fatal electrocution,” said Franklin County Sheriff’s spokesperson Deputy Sarah Martinez. “We’re continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding this incident.”
Power was fully restored to affected customers by 7:45 a.m. Tuesday morning, according to American Electric Power Ohio.
Rising Copper Theft Concerns
Local law enforcement agencies have reported an increase in copper theft attempts throughout central Ohio over the past year. The metal’s high scrap value makes it an attractive target for thieves, despite the significant safety risks involved.
“These thefts not only endanger the individuals attempting them but also put entire communities at risk of power outages and electrical hazards,” Martinez added.
The Columbus Division of Police and Franklin County Sheriff’s Office have increased patrols around utility infrastructure in response to the growing problem. Several suspects have been arrested in recent months for similar copper theft attempts, though most cases involve less dangerous targets than active power lines.
Utility companies have also implemented additional security measures, including enhanced lighting and surveillance systems around critical infrastructure points.
