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Man Facing Charges In Theft Of Live Copper Wire

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- A man from Baldwin is being charged with risking a catastrophe for allegedly stealing electrified copper wire from a section of the light rail transit system.

Port Authority police say Jacob Burns is accused of using a hacksaw to cut a 750-volt live wire on the old Drake Line, then left it dangling in contact with the tracks, which electrified a quarter-mile section of the tracks.

It was discovered when a caller reported smoke coming from the tracks near Bethel Church Road.

Police say Jacobs sold more than 2,000 pounds of copper for $6,500.

Stay with KDKA for more on this developing story.

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