This story was reported by several Philadelphia news outlets; here is one reference:

http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2014/09/13/police-norristown-man-electrocuted-while-attempting-to-steal-copper-wiring/

By Mike Dougherty

UPPER MERION, Pa. (CBS)

An apparent attempted burglary went horribly wrong for a man who was trying to steal copper wiring early Saturday morning in Montgomery County[, PA].

Authorities say a Norristown man was killed while attempting extract copper wiring from [a] high-voltage electrical box in Valley Forge National Historical Park.

Police were called to the scene around 4 a.m. and found the 41-year-old man unresponsive, laying partially inside a 4100 volt junction box on the front lawn of the Kennedy Supplee Mansion on Trooper Road.

Upper Merion police say he was pronounced dead at the scene. His identity has not been released.

PECO [Philadelphia Electric Company] was called to de-energize the box.

The victim’s friend placed the 9-1-1 call, and police say he is cooperating with the investigation.

Submitted on 09/14/2014

Submitted by: Mitchel A. Kling
Reference: CBS Philadelphia local web site

Copyright © 2014 DarwinAwards.com

Candi said:
Definitely Keep: For Darwin's Eyes
Another copper-copping crook gets crispied! Thanks, Mitchel!

James said:
Definitely Keep: For Darwin's Eyes
Sometimes I think it's easier to just hit up convenience stores and empty their "give a penny-take a penny" trays...it's a lot safer, at any rate! Thanks Mitchel!

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