They’re accused of using tools to break into electrical boxes along I-85. And once those boxes are open, they grab the copper wiring inside, according to police.
But thanks to a tipster who noticed suspicious activity, two suspects are in jail, the Troup County Sheriff’s Office said Thursday. A third person is still on the run, but has been identified, Sgt. Stewart Smith said.
It’s not yet known how much it will cost to repair the damaged electrical panels that control the lights that hang over the interstate. But the suspects’ alleged crimes could affect those driving at night, Smith said.
“We’ve got dozens of lights that aren’t working,” Smith told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
The copper thefts were happening for about a week until deputies caught two suspects in the act late Monday night.
Josephus Taylor, 52, and Gail V. Santelli, 58, both of Atlanta, were arrested and charged with criminal damage in the first degree and possession of tools for the commission of a felony, police said. Both were being held without bond Thursday in the Troup County jail.
A third suspect, Travis Haley, 52, assaulted a deputy and ran, Smith said. Once arrested, Haley will face an additional felony charge of obstruction.
Santelli, who has had numerous last names, has a felony record, according to the Georgia Department of Corrections. She was released from state prison in March 1999 after serving about three months for cocaine possession, records showed.
No information was available on prior criminal records for Taylor or Haley.
Troup County is located about 70 miles southwest of Atlanta along I-85.
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