Man arrested trying to steal copper

HANOVER, Md. (WMAR) - Anne Arundel County Police have arrested and charged Matthew Dale Mitchell after they say he stole copper cabling from a traffic signal control shed.

Just before 7:00 p.m., Thursday, officer responded to the intersection of Telegraph Road and Dorsey Road in Hanover for reports of an injured subject.

Officers found Mitchell, 27, standing next to the Maryland State Highway Administration traffic signal shed. A large amount of copper cabling was lying on the ground next to him.

Mitchell had also parked a vehicle nearby that appeared to be used to help take the cabling. Mitchell claimed to be fixing the signal systems, but police confirmed he was not an employee with State Highway.

State Highway officials say there is a big danger of electrocution to anyone who might have come into contact with the signal system and estimate the repair and replacement costs of damaged equipment to be above $1,000.

Mitchell was charged with burglary, possession of burglar's tools, tampering, malicious destruction of property and reckless endangerment.