HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-27-2006 Electrocution as a Result of Attempting to Remove Cable MEDIA RELEASE
SOUTH BEND POLICE DEPARTMENT
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA
Wednesday, September 27, 2006; 4:00 pm.
Re: Electrocution as a Result of Attempting to Remove Cable
The South Bend Police Department dispatch center received a call from a local
hospital at 1:45 pm. today, advising that a man had been brought into the emergency
room with severe burns as a result of introducing a hack saw into a live electrical cable.
At this time the subject is being transferred to the Ft. Wayne burn unit with serious first,
second and third degree burns to his arms and face.
After speaking with a witness, who is the same individual that transported the
subject to the hospital, it was determined that this occurred in an electrical service
manhole in the back of the former South Bend Lathe building. That building is located in
the 700 block of West Sample Street.
Police received assistance from the witness in locating the scene and found
evidence of what is preliminarily believed to be the illegal removal of copper cable from
the underground utility access point. Indiana and Michigan Power was immediately
called and are on the scene now assessing the damage.
The injured party is a 20 year old, male resident of South Bend. According to a
property manager at the scene, the injured person is employed at a business that occupies
the former Lathe building; however he stated that no one had permission to remove any
copper from the premises.
This case is a tragic example of what can occur when individuals attempt to
handle high voltage electric cable. Copper and scrap metal theft from abandon structures
and utility companies is fraught with danger, and the South Bend Police Department
would like to remind everyone that this is a crime that can have potentially fatal results.
UPDATE: 09-28-2006; 9:30 AM.
The injured party in this case has been identified as Hector J. Balza, male, age 20.
The party was originally listed as a South Bend resident, however this information has
been corrected. Balza currently lists a Mishawaka address.
The facts of this case, as they are known thus far have been forwarded to the St. Joseph
County Prosecutor's Office for review.
Captain Philip Trent
South Bend Police Department
574-235-5564