Posted on 12/23/2009 4:11:00 PM PST by ButThreeLeftsDo
Inside a secured room at the Eagan Police headquarters is the charred and shredded evidence of a near fatal crime. There's not much left of a winter jacket, worn by a 33-year-old St. Paul man.
The alleged copper thief was burned by 69,000 volts of electricity, creating a flash of light in the early morning sky.
"There were also calls of a large flash of light seen from several miles away and a large boom," Eagan Officer Danielle Anselment said.
Police and paramedics responded to several 911 calls of a man who was on fire at the Dakota Electric power substation located in the 1700 block of Deerwood Drive at around 12:30 a.m. Wednesday morning.
Investigators said David Stachowiak, climbed onto a high-voltage power transformer, after cutting through the sub station's barbed wire topped chain link fence.
Evidence taken from the scene indicates that Stachowiak and possibly two other people were there to steal copper cable.
What doesn't make much sense is the motivation behind the crime. The recession has dropped scrap copper prices substantially. Dakota Electric estimates what the thieves could have made away with at little more than $100.
Other electric utilities are reporting a drop in copper thefts over the past year for that reason. Still, it's a danger at any price.
With a loud crackle and a bright arc, Dakota Electric's safety director demonstrates why.
"This would be electrical contact," said Kevin Fowler, showing the voltage that could occur.
He uses a cart with miniature overhead power lines to teach the dangers of a 12,000-volt electric shock.
The alleged copper thief took more than five times the amount of voltage, along with hundreds of amperes. Fowler said it likely created a ball of intense fire, six to eight feet across.
"It's essentially the same as being put in a microwave oven. It cooks you from the inside out and it will be a lifetime of pain and agony," he said.
Stachowiak was taken to Region's Hospital in St. Paul where he is being treated for severe burns to his torso. He is listed in stable condition.
During the closing of my plant back in 2006, copper theft was common as were the busts.......
Could make for one of the most unusual claims on one’s resume: part time 10,000 amp fuse.
these people will work harder to steal something than to earn honest money.
You know, it’s not everybody day somebody survives a ZOT.
Okay, the scariest part about the way that post reads is that I’m cold sober. I swear before God.
"OUCH"
Amen.
Post away, I’ll be back later. I’m going to see my God-daughter (The Surgeon!) who is in town for Christmas.....
Darwin Award candidate?
Shocking I tell you....
Only problem is perp survived - now must spend hundreds
of thousands or more on medical care
Where are the “death panels” when need ‘em....
The damage done to this guys internal organs will become apparent in a few days.
What a shocking story.
“Could make for one of the most unusual claims on one’s resume: part time 10,000 amp fuse.”
What was your last job?
Conductor.
Ping.
Cook 'em Dano.
LOL!
you betcha!
Good - I hope he has a permanent reminder of his attempted theft. I’ve seen stories of these folks stealing copper from the air conditioning units of churches.... how much lower can you get?
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