This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Provo • Union Pacific Railroad police say a 36-year-old Spanish Fork man stole copper wire used in the railroad's communication system.
According to court documents, Blake Vaun Hansen was arrested Thursday after he recycled the stolen wire, worth $1,800, for cash. The wire, railroad police say, was part of Union Pacific's communications system and was "necessary for the safe operations of rail traffic."
After being read his Miranda rights, Hansen reportedly told officers he went on Union Pacific property to cut the wire off poles.
Police also found two plastic pipes in Hansen's possession, which he said were used to smoke pills, police said.
He is charged with criminal mischief of critical infrastructure, third-degree felony theft, and criminal trespass and possession of drug paraphernalia, both class B misdemeanors. He will have his first appearance in court Jan. 27.
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