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Police: Attempted Substation Copper Theft Knocks Out Power To Trafford Businesses

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TRAFFORD (KDKA) – Police are investigating an apparent copper theft gone wrong at a substation in Trafford.

According to police, businesses in Commercial Circle experienced a power outage around 3 a.m.

"A lot of us are using our phones for flashlights. It's like the stone age in there," Chelsea Building Products employee Daeron Tucker said.

trafford substation
(Photo Credit: KDKA)

When crews arrived, they found a gate to the nearby substation had been compromised. Inside, it was apparent someone had been trying to tamper with the substation.

The damage was consistent with someone trying to steal copper.

Meanwhile, two individuals allegedly tried to seek help at area hospitals. First, they went to Forbes Regional Hospital. Then, they are believed to have been transported to West Penn Hospital. It is believed the injuries sustained were consistent with being shocked.

"A lot of juice did come out of there and a lot of juice went into two people," Tucker said.

It is unclear if both were injured or if one drove the other to the hospital.

"I can tell, they must be hurting when they got shocked. That's very serious," Tucker said. "I'm glad no one got killed or anything, hopefully they make a full recovery. That's just not the smartest thing to do."

There is no timetable for when power will be restored.

When the individuals are cleared from the hospital, they will be facing multiple charges, to include trespassing.

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