Lake County-At approximately 6:22 a.m., this morning, 1^st Sergeant Terrance Weems responded to a call about two men stripping wire from a light pole on I-80.

As 1^st Sgt. Weems was going east bound he saw two men on the south side of I-80 at the 12.2 mile marker (this is west of Central Avenue/Lake Station) trying to put wire into their pick-up truck.  Further investigation revealed that at least four light poles had their bottom boxes popped open and the wire stripped from inside.  A pry bar and two bolt cutters were found in the pick-up truck.  There was approximately 1,500 feet of industrial electrical cable in the bed of the truck.  The estimated value is approximately $5,000.

A spokesman from the contracted electrical company stated that these light poles are set up with a sensor that makes the lights come on at dusk and go off at dawn.  Although the lights may not be on during the day does not mean they are not alive!  He also stated that even though the cable is rated for 600 volts these light poles have 480 volts/100 amps running through them.  This current is dangerous if not lethal!!

1^st Sgt. Weems stated, "This was a dangerous situation and we were thankful that it wasn't raining or they weren't standing in a water filled ditch."

Arrested:

• James H. Higgason III, 39 of Hammond, Indiana.
• Dennis A. Dugger Jr., 43 of Gary, Indiana.

Both were charged with Theft of State Property and Possession of Stolen Property, Class D Felonies.  Dugger was also wanted on an active/confirmed warrant through Lake County for possession of stolen property.

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