OLD HICKORY, Tenn. (WKRN) — A longtime criminal has been arrested after allegedly stealing copper wiring from a Nashville Electric Service (NES) substation in Old Hickory, according to Metro Nashville Police.
Officers arrested 41-year-old Michael Grimes on Sunday after residents reported a suspicious truck entering the NES property at the end of Legion Drive. When officers arrived, they found Grimes attempting to leave the site with a pickup truck full of copper wire, electrical parts, and bolt cutters, the arrest affidavit states.
Neighbors told News 2 that the facility, which also houses two cell towers, is easily accessible and lacks proper security. “They caught him just as he was trying to come out of the gate,” said one resident, who called for gates and locks to be reinstalled.
Locals say trespassing and suspicious activity have become common at the site. “Something needs to be done. People with no reason to be here come at all hours. There are kids who play back there,” another neighbor said.
In a statement, Nashville Electric Service confirmed it is cooperating with law enforcement, warning that metal thefts can be extremely dangerous and disrupt power for customers. NES urged residents to report any unusual activity near power equipment immediately.
