Man Dies Stealing Copper From Georgia Power Pole, Police Say

A 36-year-old Rockmart, Ga., man is dead after authorities said he tried to cut copper cable from a Georgia Power pole.

SLIDESHOW: Man Collapses, Dies Cutting Copper From Georgia Power Pole

Floyd County police investigator Sabrina Hall identified the victim as Derek Charles Siniard.

Hall said the incident happened at about 6 a.m. Saturday in the 400 block of Rush Chapel Road.

While cutting the line, Hall said, Siniard collapsed. Authorities are awaiting an autopsy to determine how the victim died.

Hall said two females took the victim to Floyd Medical Center.

But investigators said Siniard didn’t act alone.

Another individual, Stephen Kyle Williams, 39, also from Rockmart, was later arrested.

Hall said among the evidence recovered is night-vision equipment and equipment to cut wire.

“Since the beginning of summer, we’ve had at least half a dozen cases involving Georgia Power lines and AT&T phone lines,” said Hall.

Hall said a statewide hot line was recently set up to offer rewards to people who spot such activity. She said citizens may call 877-732-8717.

“They’re looking for copper. They’ll melt the wire off, the insulator, and take the copper and sell it,” said Hall.

The victim's body was taken to the GBI Crime Lab in Atlanta.

Williams was charged with two felonies and two misdemeanors and transported to Floyd County Jail.