Muskogee County Sheriff: Man Shocked In Attempted Copper Theft

Authorities say a man was severely injured in an apparent attempt to steal copper from a transformer and went to get help from a Porum police officer. Muskogee County Sheriff Charles Pearson said the incident took place at about 5:30 a.m. Saturday just south of Warner.

Russell Barlow, 40, climbed an electric pole owned by KAMO Coop in an area known as "Tater Hill," according to authorities. He was trying to get copper out of the transformer when electric current entered his hands and exited his feet.

Barlow managed to get to a Porum police officer's home for help. Pearson said the man was conscious and able to talk but was badly injured. Barlow was taken to a Tulsa hospital by medical helicopter.

Deputy Burt Pool and Patrol Officer Mike Morris are investigating the incident. It is not known if Barlow had any accomplices, the sheriff said.

A search of Oklahoma Department of Corrections shows that Russell Barlow was incarcerated in 1999 on drug related charges including possession of methamphetamine. Those charges were in Haskell County.