Thefts from utility poles leave power company shocked

The East Algoma Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police arrested a 35-year-old man after damage to several hydro poles was reported.

On Tuesday, April 8 at approximately 9:30 a.m., the OPP responded to a mischief complaint on Beckerton Shooting Range Road in the Town of Spanish after a power company reported multiple copper wire thefts from utility poles over the past several weeks.

"Investigation revealed that on Monday, April 7, a yellow side-by-side vehicle with an extension ladder was seen in the area, with two occupants," an OPP news release said.

"About an hour later, the vehicle was seen leaving. An employee later discovered that the ground wire of a utility pole had been cut off, though it wasn't copper, resulting in about $1,000 in damage." 

On Tuesday, police observed the same side-by-side at a local gas station in Spanish, but it fled at high speed when approached.

On Wednesday at approximately 6:15 p.m., police arrested Travis Budge, from Spanish.

Budge was charged with:

• Mischief under $5,000
• Dangerous operation

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Elliot Lake on June 5.

None of the accusations have been tested in court and Budge is considered innocent unless proven guilty.