4 Charged With Stealing Copper From Utility Pole

Police say four people have been charged with stealing copper wire from a BGE utility pole in Odenton, Md., which caused a power outage that affected more than 1,700 homes and businesses.

Anne Arundel County police say the theft occurred around 12:15 a.m. Friday. Police say officers saw a vehicle leaving the scene of the theft and arrested the four people inside. They found stolen copper wiring and burglary tools.

According to police, BGE estimated that 250 feet of copper wiring was stolen. The resulting outage has been repaired.

Arrested were 29-year-old Jason Tomlinson of Clinton; 32-year-old Jim Nichols of Odenton; 24-year-old Michael Spenard of Suitland; and 27-year-old Melissa Howell of Waldorf. All are charged with theft under $1,000 and malicious destruction of property.