Man Electrocuted While Stealing Copper

WIDENER, Ark. (AP) Authorities say a man trying to steal copper from highline electric poles was electrocuted when he touched a live wire.<br/><br/>Thirty-six-year-old Terry Padgett of Shell Lake, died

Saturday, March 10th 2007, 8:37 pm

By: News On 6

WIDENER, Ark. (AP) Authorities say a man trying to steal copper from highline electric poles was electrocuted when he touched a live wire.

Thirty-six-year-old Terry Padgett of Shell Lake, died overnight Thursday. His body was spotted on U.S. 70 near Widener by a motorist, who alerted St. Francis County authorities.

When deputies arrived, they discovered Padgett had been holding a long pole with a cutter on the end. Investigators said downed wire cut from other poles was found nearby.

Copper theft has been a problem for more than a year because of high prices paid at scrap yards.