Man electrocuted while trying to steal copper wire from utility pole, authorities say

FRANKLIN COUNTY, Mo. (Gray News) - A man was electrocuted while trying to steal copper wire from a utility pole, authorities said.

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office said deputies responded Sunday to a report of an unresponsive man. When deputies arrived, they confirmed the man was dead.

The man was identified as 34-year-old Cody Lashly.

Another man, 41-year-old Jerry A. Hendrickson, admitted to driving Lashly and positioning his truck so that Lashly could stand in the bed while cutting the wire.

Hendrickson told police that while Lashly tried to cut the wire, tension on the line caused a utility pole to snap, bringing the electrical lines into contact with Lashly and resulting in his electrocution.

Hendrickson told police he left the scene after realizing Lashly was unresponsive.

Hendrickson is charged with abandonment of a corpse, attempted stealing and damage to a critical infrastructure facility.