Published: May 15, 2008 11:36 pm      

Theft suspects burned trying to steal live wire, police say

CONFLUENCE — One of two men burned while allegedly trying to steal live power lines in Lower Turkeyfoot Township has been arraigned on theft-related charges.

Daniel Jay Basinger, 24, of Confluence, was arraigned Wednesday by District Judge Sandra Stevanus on counts of criminal mischief and attempted theft.

He was released on $5,000 unsecured bond.

Reached at home, Basinger said he suffered only minor burns.

“I’m feeling better,” he said before hanging up.

In a court document, state police at Somerset said Basinger and Kevin Lee Lytle, 27, of Pittsburgh tried May 3 to steal power lines that were still attached to a transformer and utility poles.

The two strands of 6-A copperweld wire conductor are 420 feet long and valued at $1,500.

The attempted theft of the Penelec-owned wire took place along Humbert Road near Chickenbone Road.

Troopers contend the pair were using a 12-inch hammer and several nylon tie straps as a grappling hook to pull down the wires when they were shocked.

Basinger was treated and re-leased at Somerset Hospital. Lytle was taken to Memorial Medical Center and released May 6.

Lytle, also charged Wednesday, has not been arraigned.

The incident disrupted power to customers in the area for about five hours.

A spokesman for FirstEnergy Corp., Penelec’s parent company, said the company works to educate the public on the dangers of electricity.

“The theft of wire and equipment is a nationwide issue,” Ron Morano said from Morristown, N.J.

“FirstEnergy is very aware of the problem and is taking step to address the issue and work with local law enforcement,” said Morano, who declinedto elaborate.