Copper wire thief takes 2,000 pound spool from railroad tracks

By Lucy Perry
Indiana Central News

SULLIVAN COUNTY -  A 2,000 pound wooden spool of copper wire valued at $8,000 was reported stolen overnight in Sullivan County.

The incident occured at the railroad tracks on SR 54 just west of the Greene/Sullivan county line, between the hours of midnight and 8 a.m.

Indiana State Police Sgt. Matt Ames said it's evident the suspect backed up to the railroad tracks and tied a chain to the wooden spool of copper wire before dragging it out onto the north side of SR 54.

Officers could see markings where the 1,000-feet spool of wire was forced away from the area.

"Gouge marks in the roadway show the spool was dragged east on State Road 54 where it appears the wooden spool was then loaded onto a trailer, "Ames explained, adding that the suspect then continued east on SR 54 towards Linton.

Ames  said the wooden spool is labeled with the name of the manufacturer, “Okonite,” The wire has a black coating with a white wrap and is approximately 1 to 1 - and -a -half inches in diameter. 

Contact Master Trooper Thomas Hanks, of the Indiana State Police Putnamville Post, with information on the case at 1-800-742-0717.  Your tip can remain anonymous.