A suspect is facing charges and Atco Electric is reporting that seven power poles were damaged in an early morning incident on April 30.
Lloydminster RCMP say at 4:57 a.m. on April 30, they responded to a 911 call about a man cutting electrical wires on power line poles in the back alley of 44 Street between 56 Avenue and 57B Avenue.
Police found and arrested the suspect with several items, including hand tools and copper wire.
An Atco Electric employee noted that, “This ground system protects people and equipment from electric shock, lightning strikes, and electrical noise. Without electrical ground there is potential of fire, damage to equipment as well as shock.”
Lloydminster RCMP, with the assistance of Lloydminster General Investigation Section, have charged 32-year-old, Travis Lee Fraser of Lloydminster, with:
- Possession of property obtained by crime
- Theft under $5,000
- Mischief under $5,000
- Possession of break-in instruments
- Failure to comply with a probation order
Fraser was brought before a justice of the peace who released him on conditions. He was due in Lloydminster Provincial Court on Tuesday, May 6.
The RCMP thank the public for their assistance and cooperation during this investigation.
Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to please contact the Lloydminster RCMP at 780-808-8400, or your local police. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).