PUTNAM COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A man accused of running around cutting telephone lines from utility poles is facing charges.
On Saturday, October 12, 2024, at approximately 9:45 a.m., Hurricane police officers were dispatched to Putnam Avenue in Hurricane, Putnam County, WV, in response to reports of a man cutting telephone lines from utility poles. The suspect was described as wearing jeans and a gray zip-up hoodie.
Upon arriving at the scene, officers observed a man fitting the description running from Putnam Avenue toward Reynolds Street. Officers, including Ptlm. B. Vickers, quickly surrounded the area and soon encountered Michael Womack, who matched the suspect’s description. Womack initially walked in the direction of the officers before turning and attempting to leave the scene. He was detained without incident.
Officers noted that Womack appeared to be sweating heavily and out of breath. Nearby, approximately five feet from where Womack was apprehended, officers discovered copper lines that had been cut from the utility poles. These lines were consistent with the ones reported as damaged. A witness also provided a statement confirming that Womack was seen committing the crime.
Womack was arrested and charged with destruction of property and fleeing on foot.
