Man killed by electrocution while trying to steal wires from power lines in Fayette County, police say

A man is dead after he was electrocuted while trying to steal wires from power lines in Fayette County, Pennsylvania State Police said. 

According to state police, just after 7 a.m. on Friday, troopers were called to Laurel Hill Road in Dunbar Township after a man was found on the ground. 

An investigation found that the man, identified as 32-year-old Aaron Cottrell of New Salem, Pennsylvania, had been attempting to steal wiring from an active electrical line when he was electrocuted. He was found with a pole saw and a backpack. 

State police added that tampering with or trying to remove wires from an active power line is extremely dangerous and can lead to serious injury or death. They reminded the public that high-voltage electrical lines can remain energized at all times and shouldn't be approached or handled by unauthorized persons. 

Scherry Scully, a member of a nearby church, said she couldn't believe what happened. 

"What's happening to risk your life to steal copper?" Scully asked. "Because I did ask West Penn what he would have gotten for that wire, because that would have been a pretty long wire, and they said maybe $100."   

In a statement, West Penn Power said it strongly urges the public to stay away from power lines and utility equipment.

"Electrical equipment and power lines are extremely dangerous and should never be approached, touched or tampered with under any circumstances," the statement said.   

The case remains under investigation.