http://www.guampdn.com/article/20081201/NEWS01/812010312&referrer=FRONTPAGECAROUSEL

Given hard economic times, a proximity to China, and the rising cost of copper, Guam has been plagued with thefts of cable from its electrical grid. "Recyclers" liberate cable from overhead lines and cut it up for resale through "legitmate" scrap dealers.

Bryce Borja may have been afraid of heights. He decided it would be far easier to strip the wires out of buildings at Tiyan, a property once owned by the US Navy. He had a small problem, though. The wires were energized and he couldn't find a breaker box. The solution was obvious; if he could disable the flow into the buildings from a padlocked transformer housing, he'd be free to remove the wires at his leisure.

He cut the padlock off and opened the door. So far, so good. To his chagrin, there was no switch in there, either, so he proceeded to cut the main supply cable. Guam Power Authority spokesman Art Perez points out that the box may have been charged at "tens of thousands" of volts. Those volts entered Mr. Borja through his (apparently poorly insulated) bolt cutters and exited to ground, leaving a wound in his left heel.

The target buildings are still fully powered.

Mr. Borja is not. Mr. Borja? You have a call! A Mr. Darwin calling for Bryce Borja?

Submitted on 11/30/2008

Submitted by: Kelly Fitzpatrick
Reference: Two attached

Copyright © 2008 DarwinAwards.com

Bruce said:
Definitely Keep: For Darwin's Eyes
Yet another in the ceaseless line of dumb copper thieves for Darwin to take a look at. Thanks, Kelly.

James said:
Definitely Keep: For Darwin's Eyes
Yep, they just keep on coming...!

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