MCSO: Man electrocuted while trying to steal copper

  Pooja Lodhia

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A suspected copper thief is dead. Investigators say he was trying to steal copper from a substation in Montgomery County.

It happened at the Center Point substation along Interstate 45 and Sawdust. A man was electrocuted while deputies believe he was trying to steal copper from the facility.

Workers found the 37-year-old man lying on the ground, unconscious and surrounded by several tools at 10:45am. They believe the man entered the substation property through a cut in the fence which was likely used to gain entry and exit.

There is some copper missing from the area and deputies believe there could have been somebody else with him who ran off with the copper after his friend was electrocuted. No other suspects have been identified.

"They found several tools consistent with copper theft. There was some copper missing, some criminal mischief to the property," said Det. John Schmitt with the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office.

The man has been identified as 37-year-old Harold Gene Schneider.

MCSO deputies say no other suspects have been identified, but the investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information about this incident should call the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office Office at 936-760-5876. Crime Stoppers will pay up to a $1,000 cash reward for information leading to an arrest or indictment of a felony crime. Call 800-392-STOP (7867), all tipsters remain anonymous.

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