Gasoline stand attendant Felipe Augusto dos Santos, 20 years old, almost died eletrocutated when trying to steal electric cables from the water captioning system of Sabesp [the local water company] in Salto do Pirapora, 120 km away from Sao Paulo. When he cut the cables, got a discharge so violent his clothes burned away.

His accomplice, Juan Eric Rodrigues Bento, also 20 years old, asked for help, by cell phone, to the police. Having sufferd 2nd degree burns in 30% of his body, Felipe was initially taken to the local Santa Casa [a public hospital]. Since there were no vacancies on the bured victims wing of the Regional Hospital of Sorocaba [a bigger public hospital on the same city] he was taken to the Public Servants Hospital in Sao Paulo [a even bigger public hospital in the state capital].

According to the Police, they were trying to steal the wires that start the motors of the Sabesp pumping station in the Matadouro area. They planned to sell the copper as scrap. The electric pumps carry water to the reservoirs that serve the city.

Felipe were no gloves, and, when trying to cut the wires, may have touched the electric current [really?]. He suffered burns in hands, arms, legs and chest, and still is in the hospital.

While the police helped Felipe, his accomplice ran away, but was arrested later at home. As Juan Erick had previous arrests for theft, he was taken to jail, but was freed later. The releasing order beneficies Felipe as well, who will answer in liberty for attempted theft. He had no previous arrest.

Note: this "catch and release" isn´t incommon in Brazil with non-violent criminals.

Submitted on 04/26/2010

Submitted by: Fabio Martins
Reference: http://www.estadao.com.br/noticias/geral,ladrao-leva-choque-violento-ao-tentar-furtar-fios-em-sp,543

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Candi said:
Definitely Keep: For Darwin's Eyes
Another crispy crook for Darwin! And this one was dumb enough NOT to wear gloves! Thanks, Fabio, and submit again!

Bruce said:
Definitely Keep: For Darwin's Eyes
Off to Darwin...

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