Man accused of cutting copper wire in storm damage area criminally charged
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ST. LOUIS, Mo. (First Alert 4) - A man is criminally charged after police say officers caught him in the act of stealing a copper electrical line. The alleged theft happened in a storm-battered area of St. Louis.
St Louis prosecutors charged 49-year-old Franklin Watson on Tuesday with stealing over $750, a class D felony, and resisting arrest. He is held without the possibility of bond pending an initial hearing.
A booking photo was not immediately available. Authorities are also searching for a second suspect who fled the scene of the alleged crime.
St. Louis police said officers received a report of suspects cutting wire from an Ameren power line in the 4400 block of Ashland Avenue. Officers arrived and found Watson standing on a ladder and announced their presence, at which time he fled, according to police.
Police apprehended him after a foot chase. A second suspect also fled on foot and got away.
An initial court appearance has not been set.
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