CHAMBERS COUNTY, Texas – A man has been arrested, accused of severely disrupting 911 services and causing other communication failures in Chambers and Jefferson counties during his attempt to steal copper wire.
Brad Thibodeaux is charged with felony criminal mischief among other potential offenses, according to the Chambers County Sheriff’s Office.
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The sheriff’s office said deputies responded on Tuesday to Highway 73 and County Line Road in Winnie in reference to a copper theft.
Law enforcement discovered copper wire had been stolen at one location. In addition, it was discovered the suspect had tampered with a Windstream Communications fiber optic junction box, cutting and damaging the fiber optic line erroneously believing the line contained copper wire.
“The vandalism caused widespread communication failures, including the temporary loss of 911 emergency services, internet, and phone capabilities in eastern Chambers County and western Jefferson County. Windstream Communications representatives estimated that the direct damage to the infrastructure was approximately $3,000, with the overall impact surpassing $100,000 due to service outages affecting businesses, residents, and emergency responders,” the sheriff’s office said.
“This type of reckless criminal behavior puts lives at risk,” said Chambers County Sheriff Brian C. Hawthorne. “By cutting the fiber optic lines in his illegal hunt for copper, this individual not only caused significant financial loss but also endangered the public by disabling access to emergency services. Crimes that cripple critical infrastructure are serious crimes. I am very thankful for the great investigative work done by our deputies and our partners with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.”
Thibodeaux remains in custody at the Chambers County Jail. Anyone with any information is urged to call the Chambers County Sheriff’s Office at (409) 267-2500.
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