LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Authorities have arrested three individuals involved in a copper wire theft at an NV Energy substation, which led to power outages in parts of Las Vegas, including affecting Harry Reid International Airport.
On February 3, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police responded to a report of stolen copper wire in the 5600 block of Procyon Street at around 3:40 p.m. Officers discovered that several breaker boxes had been tampered with, and copper wire was removed. The estimated damage and loss were valued at $30,000.
Earlier that afternoon, around 3:15 p.m., a power outage linked to the theft impacted 12 customers, as confirmed by NV Energy. In the evening, at around 6:45 p.m., a second outage hit Harry Reid International Airport’s C gates in Terminal 1, disrupting services. Power was restored by 8:20 p.m., but it is still unclear if the two outages were connected.
Following the investigation, detectives identified three suspects: Paul Andrews, 45, Chad Shurman, 41, and Branden Henry, 29. The suspects were arrested on February 4 and booked into the Clark County Detention Center. They face charges of grand larceny (with the value of the stolen property between $25,000 and $100,000), removing or damaging property to obtain scrap metal, and interrupting service. Shurman and Henry also face an additional charge of conspiracy to commit criminal contempt.
The suspects are scheduled for a court appearance on February 10.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to contact the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department at 702-828-3204 or to remain anonymous through Crime Stoppers at 702-385-5555 or their website.
