CHAMBERS COUNTY, Texas – A man has been arrested and charged with felony criminal mischief after his attempt to steal copper wire led to widespread communication failures across Chambers and Jefferson counties, including the temporary loss of 911 emergency services.
Brad Thibodeaux, the accused, was apprehended on Tuesday after law enforcement responded to reports of a copper theft on Highway 73 and County Line Road in Winnie, Texas. Upon investigation, deputies discovered that Thibodeaux had stolen copper wire from one location and caused significant damage to a Windstream Communications fiber optic junction box.
The suspect, under the mistaken belief that the fiber optic line contained copper wire, cut and tampered with the fiber optic cables. This reckless act led to severe communication disruptions, including 911 service outages, and the temporary loss of internet and phone capabilities throughout the eastern parts of Chambers County and western Jefferson County.
The damage caused by the incident is estimated to be $3,000 in direct costs to the infrastructure. However, the overall impact, including business interruptions and the disabling of emergency services, is reported to exceed $100,000.
Sheriff Brian C. Hawthorne of the Chambers County Sheriff’s Office condemned the actions, emphasizing the danger of such crimes: “This type of reckless criminal behavior puts lives at risk,” said Hawthorne. “By cutting the fiber optic lines in his illegal hunt for copper, this individual not only caused significant financial loss but also endangered the public by disabling access to emergency services. Crimes that cripple critical infrastructure are serious crimes.”
Thibodeaux remains in custody at the Chambers County Jail, and authorities are urging anyone with additional information about the case to contact the sheriff’s office at (409) 267-2500.
