Electrocuted Man Was Possible Cable Thief, Deputies Say

A man who sheriff’s deputies suspect was trying to steal cable from a telephone pole was electrocuted near the intersection of 50th Street East and Avenue E.

Deputies discovered his body in the street about 2:25 p.m. Sunday. The name of the man, who authorities said was in his 30s, was not released pending notification of relatives.

“There is no foul play suspected,” said Det. Steve Davis of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. “It appears to be an accidental electrocution but the cause of death has not yet been determined.”

Davis said the man was at the base of a pole supporting lines carrying up to 6,000 volts of electricity. There were no witnesses to the incident but based on the condition of the man’s body deputies believe he had been electrocuted, Davis said.

“It’s fairly common, I’m told. These guys will go up there to steal the cable wire and then sell it,” Davis said. “It’s a lot of risk for a small reward.”