Two men have been arrested in Kanawha County, West Virginia, following an alleged attempt to steal copper from the Montgomery Bridge.
Johnathan Ray Holcomb, 36, of Belva, and Paul Ira Hopkins, 47, of Smithers, were charged with damage or destruction of railroad or public utility company property, according to Kanawha County Magistrate Court records.
Investigators say that on February 16, around 2:30 a.m., the men intentionally damaged an electrical panel and conduit, causing a power interruption that posed safety risks to pedestrians, vehicles, and boat traffic. Security footage and an on-site inspection reportedly confirmed that Holcomb and Hopkins broke a section of conduit, leaving a piece of metal stuck inside. A hacksaw and channel lock pliers were recovered at the scene.
Court documents state that Hopkins later provided a written statement to police, alleging that Holcomb began sawing into the conduit to take copper. When asked about his actions, Holcomb allegedly admitted to taking the copper. During the attempt, the lights reportedly blew out, and the men fled.
Both Holcomb and Hopkins were arrested and are being held at Southern Regional Jail on $30,000 cash-only bonds.
