Police say copper thief endangered university

According to police, the actions of a homeless man "had the potential of causing a train accident and derailment behind the University of Louisville, which could have led to a loss of life of the train crew and others."

LOUISVILLE, Kentucky (WDRB 41 Louisville) August 23, 2010 -- University of Louisville Police have arrested a man they say could potentially have caused a fatal train wreck.

The 38-year-old homeless man was found on the CSX Transportation railroad tracks at the intersection of 3rd Street and Winkler Avenue in Louisville, Kentucky.

Police said he was attempting to steal copper wire from the railroad, and had wire cutters in his possession.

According to his arrest slip, the suspect "cut and stole communication lines, affecting train traffic across a multi-state area."

The report goes on to state that his actions "had the potential of causing a train accident and derailment behind the University of Louisville, which could have led to a loss of life of the train crew and others."

He has been charged with interference with railway communications, wanton endangerment, theft by unlawful taking, possession of burglary tools, fleeing police, and criminal trespassing.

Officers requested that he not be allowed to post bail, as they consider him to be a flight risk.

Link: http://www.fox41.com/Global/story.asp?S=13027947

Source: DHS Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report