The body of an Alabama man found underneath a utility pole was identified Friday as a resident who was electrocuted while trying to steal power, authorities said.
Calhoun County Sheriff Matthew Wade identified the victim as Randall Stephens, 56, AL.com reported. Wade said Stephens was released May 16 from the Calhoun County Jail,, where he had been serving time on gun and drug charges, the website reported.
On Friday, a neighbor said he found what turned out to be Stephens' skull in his driveway, WBRC reported. The neighbor told deputies his dogs apparently dragged it there, the television station reported..
Wade said the rest of Stephens' body, which was badly decomposed, was found at the base of a utility pole, AL.com reported. A ladder was leaning against the pole, along with climbing spikes and jumper cable handles, WBRC reported. The utility pole was located by Stephens' residence.
“It appears Mr. Stephens was trying to jump power or steal power for his home, and apparently hit the wrong line or the wrong connection, and it killed him,” Wade told the television station.
Wade said he believed Stephens died shortly after his release from jail, AL.com reported.
The sheriff said electricity can be extremely dangerous, particularly for non-professionals.
"Respect electricity,'' Wade told AL.com. "Not only is stealing power illegal it is deadly."