Contributed photoA Hamilton County Sheriff’s deputy arrested two people for stealing copper wire from utility poles Monday.
David Farris, 33, and Shannon Smith, 30, were charged with possession of burglary tools, destroying or interfering with utility lines and theft of property, according to a sheriff’s release.
A third suspect, a juvenile, was released to his grandfather. Paperwork for criminal charges will be filed through the Hamilton County Juvenile Court.
Deputies responded to a 7:45 a.m. call that several people were seen at the McDonald Cemetery on Snow Hill Road.
The suspects had copper wire, bolt cutters and other tools in their possession when deputies questioned them.
Volunteer Energy Cooperative was notified and employees found that copper ground wire used on the utility poles had been removed.
Cooperative supervisor John Selvidge advised that people can be electrocuted when tampering with these kinds of wire.