Live Wire: Copper thief nearly electrocuted grabbing utility pole, say Texas cops

(CBS) DENTON COUNTY, Texas - A suspected copper thief was the victim of a unique occupational hazard - he was nearly electrocuted doing his "job" and wound up hospitalized, CBS DFW reported.

Officials with the sheriff's office in Denton County, Texas say 24-year-old James Johnson was trying to steal expensive metal on Sunday near Aubery, when he grabbed hold a live wire and was seriously burned.

"He had been stealing copper wire...the wooden utility pole had been burned to the ground, and he was in the process of removing wire from that pole," Sheriff spokesperson Sergeant Larry Kish told CBS DFW.

Investigators believe Johnson was nearly crushed when the pole fell to the ground and in his attempt to protect himself, he reached out and grabbed the wire.

"I know in other cities there have been people that were trying to steal wire that have been electrocuted. Usually the result of that is death, so he is very fortunate to be alive," said Sgt. Kish.

He said Johnson admitted what he had done and said he was stealing to try and support his drug habit.

CBS DFW reported that Johnson is in stable condition and once released from the hospital will face charges of arson, and criminal mischief.