23,000 volts go through windshield, man survives with minor injuries

AKRON, Ohio - Joseph Ferrato was driving his Chevrolet Suburban home from work late Tuesday evening when he thought he saw a flash.

"There were sparks, it was red, green, yellow, boom, bang, a real loud explosion... Enough of a sound wave to knock me out," Ferrato said.

When Ferrato came to his senses, Akron police informed him his windshield had been blown out by a falling power line cut down by copper thieves.

"The policeman said I was really really fortunate," Ferrato said.

Ferrato said he was transported to the hospital, where he had broken glass removed from his eyes.

According to Akron police, Ferrato's injuries occurred because would-be copper thieves had climbed a utility pole and used a hacksaw to cut through a non-energized power cable which hung across state Route 224 near Manchester Road.

As the cable fell, it came in contact with another electrical line carrying 23,000 volts. The copper-cutting crooks fled the scene -- leaving behind their tools and several other smaller pieces of downed copper line.

Police are looking for whoever is responsible for the attempted theft. They are asking anyone with information to contact the Akron Police Department at 330-375-2490.

Meanwhile, Ohio Edison, who owns the transmission lines, told NewsChannnel5 the episode should be a warning to anyone considering the electric power infrastructure as a source for scrap metal.

"It was a crime, it was wrong, and if we find you, we'll put you in jail," said spokesman Mark Durbin. "Any time you think about making a quick buck by stealing some of our equipment, stealing some of the copper, it might end up costing you your life."