By Sara Beth Williams–
A man was hospitalized Friday night after being electrocuted while tampering with a SMUD electrical box near Sunrise Mall, according to the Citrus Heights Police Department.
Officers were first alerted to a large power outage in the city Friday evening after 6:30 p.m., by an air unit flying over the area, which observed a spark coming from an electrical box on the south side of Sunrise Mall. The power outage impacted portions of nearby housing and several businesses along Greenback Lane and Sunrise Boulevard, according to residents who lived in the area who posted on social media channels.
Officers responded to the area and located an individual lying near a damaged electrical box. The individual, identified as Chrsitopher Clavet, sustained significant burns to his body but was conscious when officers made contact. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment. His current medical condition is unknown. He was not arrested at the scene due to his injuries; however, authorities confirmed that a warrant for his arrest will be sought.
Through further investigation, officers learned the man had been tampering with the electrical box when he was electrocuted, officials said. Investigators noted that individuals who tamper with utility equipment often attempt to remove metals believed to be valuable.
SMUD responded to the scene and estimated the damage to the electrical infrastructure to be in excess of $20,000. Power was restored shortly afterward.
