HARTWICK, N.Y. – New York State Police are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying two individuals who allegedly broke into an Otsego Electric Cooperative substation in Hartwick early Thursday, stealing copper wiring and triggering a fire that damaged electrical equipment.
According to state police, the incident occurred between approximately 2:23 a.m. and 2:47 a.m. at the Otsego Electric Cooperative substation located at 275 Kinney Road. Investigators said the suspects unlawfully entered the fenced property before removing copper wiring from the facility.
Theft caused fire and equipment damage
Authorities said the theft caused significant damage to the substation’s electrical equipment, resulting in sparks and a fire inside the facility. Police have not released an estimate of the damage or indicated whether the incident disrupted electrical service.
Investigators said both suspects concealed their faces during the burglary. However, one suspect’s eyes and nose are visible in surveillance images, and police believe those features may help someone identify the individual.
Public asked to review surveillance video
New York State Police have released a photograph of one suspect and directed the public to a surveillance video posted on Facebook as part of the investigation.
Anyone who recognizes either suspect or observed suspicious activity near the substation on Kinney Road during the early morning hours of Thursday is asked to contact the New York State Police at Richfield Springs at (607) 561-7400 and reference case NY2600904805.
The surveillance video can be viewed on the New York State Police Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/14gpXfBfGgX/
