Convicted wire thief dies slicing electric wires
by Lori Caldwell lcaldwell@post-trib.com | 648-3258 July 20, 2012 5:14PM
Kevin Roy. | Provided Photo~Sun-Times Media
Updated: July 20, 2012 8:25PM
GARY — Kevin Roy was killed as he sliced live NIPSCO wires adjacent to a church Friday morning.
Roy, 48, a Glen Park resident, was pronounced dead outside Agape Tabernacle in the 1400 block of East 49th Avenue shortly after 6:50 a.m. when a passerby noticed him lying on the ground.
Police spokeswoman Cpl. Gabrielle King said evidence at the scene suggested Roy scaled a NIPSCO pole and cut wires. He fell when he was electrocuted.
“He had his tools of the trade with him,” King said.
Roy had a prior conviction for stealing more than $30,000 worth of copper wire from NIPSCO in 2007. He pleaded guilty to that charge.
He also had prior felony charges for fraud, theft and several for burglary.
Detectives were called to the scene Friday before officials determined Roy’s death was accidental, caused by his exposure to electricity.
NIPSCO crews were making repairs to the wires Friday afternoon.
