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Last updated on Thursday, November 10, 2016
(BURNS HARBOR) - An arrest was made this week in the theft of wire that has been occurring on the interstate this past year.
Preliminary investigation by Indiana State Police Detective Brian Kubiak resulted in the arrest of 47-year-old James H. Higgason III of Gary on Monday. Detective Kubiak began his investigation in August 2016 when thefts of wire from the interstate light poles were happening. Through police contacts, tips, and other technologies Kubiak was able to develop a suspect.
Higgason was observed at Lakeland Park in Burns Harbor (this park is directly adjacent to the ramp from US 20 to I94 west bound) early Monday morning, around 2:30 a.m., where he parked his maroon 1996 Ford pickup, cut the fence, walked through a ditch up to the light poles, cut the wires, drug some of the wire back to his pickup. Higgason then drove his pickup onto the interstate ramp where he loaded the remaining wire in the back of his truck. Higgason was arrested shortly thereafter.
Higgason was taken to Porter County Jail in Valparaiso and charged with Theft, Level 6 Felony.
Higgason at the time of the arrest was wearing ripped jeans with sweat pants underneath, T-shirt, and baseball cap.
Anyone who may have any information about wire thefts may call Detective Brian Kubiak at (219) 690-0042, you may call anonymously.
Remember these wire thefts are causing many thousands of dollars in damage. As reported before these criminals aren't usually dressed or driving something marked that would portray them as someone who would be authorized to be in the area working on the light poles. These criminals usually operate at night, early morning when it is still dark (as in this arrest). Please if you see something suspicious, report it immediately to 911.
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