A day after the city created a new task force, LMPD arrests a man for stealing copper wire

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) – Shortly after announcing a new task force to reduce copper wire thefts, the Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) has arrested a man for stealing wire from a light pole on a highway.

According to police, a witness saw 44-year-old Jack Gibson stealing copper wire from a highway light pole on Adams Street in Butchertown two days in a row and called police. Police said Gibson was wearing construction gloves, often used to protect hands from stripping wires, when they found him.

The suspect was arrested and is now charged with theft and criminal breach of trust.

The arrest comes a day after city officials announced the creation of a new task force aimed at reducing this type of crime in Louisville.

“We need to keep the public vigilant and timely report any copper and wire theft they see,” said LMPD Deputy Chief Ryan Bates.

WAVE News also spoke with an employee at Advance Ready Mix, a nearby cement company, who said he also saw someone stealing copper wires and called police earlier this week.

So far in 2024, LMPD has responded to more than 300 reports of metal theft, with many of these crimes involving copper wire. This is also the reason why local officials are looking for ways to completely eliminate copper cables. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) recently implemented its new solar lighting pilot project.

“That makes it a lot less attractive to these thieves,” emphasized Maryellen Mynear, KYTC inspector general.

According to Mynear, this project costs around $200,000, which she says is more cost-effective than replacing the copper wires every time someone cuts them.

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