Thief Shocked Trying Steal Copper Wire From PECO Box: Reports

PHILADELPHIA — A man who authorities said was trying to steal copper wire is now recovering from burns suffered during the attempted theft, according to reports.

The incident occurred at about 10:30 p.m. Wednesday at a PECO transformer box next to a KFC that is under demolition on Roosevelt Boulevard, according to Action News.

Authorities said the man, whose identity was not provided by police, cut into the box and ultimately cut a high-voltage cable, Fox 29 reports.

Cutting the cable led the man to suffer burns on his face, neck, chest, and arms; caused a small fire; and knocked power out for about 1,500 homes and businesses in the area, according to NBC10.

It's unclear what charges the man may face.