Police Arrest an Ohio Couple in Copper Thefts that Caused PA Power Outage

 have arrested two suspects in the June  that caused a power outage in much of the community.

Police on Thursday obtained warrants for David A. Heddleston, 36, of Toronto, OH, and Barbara Marie Ours, 30, of Salineville, OH.

On June 22, thieves caused severe damage to the Penn Power-owned substation near  by cutting grounding cables that activate the equipment. This led to an explosion at the substation and the loss of power to about 4,000 customers in an area that included Cranberry and Zelienople. 

Police estimate the value of damage to the substation at roughly $61,000.

Cranberry detectives received a break in the case after similar thefts were reported in Hudson and Brecksville, OH, a press release from police said. Investigators identified a vehicle impounded after the Hudson theft as one that was in Cranberry Township on June 22. They also identified Ours as its driver.

Cellphone records obtained by police also placed Ours and Heddleston in Cranberry at the time of the copper theft.

Police arrested Heddleston and Ours on Thursday in Ohio. They are awaiting extradition to Pennsylvania.

Both are charged with risking a catastrophe, conspiracy, criminal mischief, theft, receiving stolen property, criminal trespass, and criminal use of a communication facility.

A hearing date will be set when they are returned to Pennsylvania.