TL;DR
A copper thief cut the transmission line of WDGG(FM), a 100,000-watt station in Kentucky, in broad daylight. The station is currently operating at reduced power as repairs are underway. The suspect was later arrested after a pursuit.
A copper thief severed the main transmission line of WDGG(FM), a 100,000-watt station licensed to Ashland, Kentucky, in broad daylight, leaving the station off the air and prompting a response from law enforcement and station engineers. The suspect, identified as Paul Crisp, was later arrested after a pursuit, and the station is now working to restore full broadcast power.
The incident occurred when Paul Crisp allegedly cut the transmission line leading to WDGG(FM)’s antenna tower in Boyd County, Kentucky. The line, which crosses a bridge and runs up the tower, was found to be completely severed, with the suspect reportedly dragging the heavy copper wire to his nearby residence and cutting it into smaller sections. The theft was reportedly well-planned, with prior disabling of surveillance systems. The Boyd County Sheriff’s Office obtained a warrant after discovering the cut-up line in Crisp’s yard, leading to his arrest following a short pursuit.
WDGG(FM), known as “The Dawg,” operates at 100,000 watts and is a key community station in the tri-state area. The damage to the transmission line has left the station operating at approximately 10 watts using backup equipment. The repair costs are estimated between $70,000 and $100,000, partly due to the unusual size of the pressurized gas-filled lines, which cannot simply be spliced without risk of leaks. Station engineers are working to source an alternative route and expect to have a temporary transmission path operational by June 5, though full restoration at full power will take additional time.
Why It Matters
This incident highlights the vulnerability of broadcast infrastructure to theft and criminal sabotage, especially for community stations that serve as vital local communication channels. The loss of WDGG’s signal impacts emergency communication, local events, and community engagement, illustrating the broader risks faced by radio stations from theft and vandalism. The case also underscores the importance of security measures and preparedness for such incidents.
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Background
WDGG(FM) is part of a group of stations owned by Kirtner’s company, which has been serving the Huntington, Ashland, and surrounding areas for years. The station frequently hosts community events, such as the annual ‘Dawg Dazzle’ fireworks show, which draws thousands of attendees. The incident follows a previous copper theft at the same site on May 23, suggesting a pattern of targeted thefts for copper wiring, which is valuable on the scrap market. The theft occurred in broad daylight, indicating a well-planned operation, and the suspect’s disabling of surveillance suggests prior reconnaissance.
“Criminal intent is hard to avoid, but even with precautions, thefts like this can still happen. It’s a costly and disruptive event for the community.”
— Mike Kirtner
“We’re doing everything we can to restore full power as quickly as possible. The safety and security of our equipment is our top priority.”
— Evan Adkins
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What Remains Unclear
It remains unclear whether the main antenna suffered electrical or physical damage, and how long full restoration will take. The exact motives of the suspect and whether there are additional accomplices or planned future thefts are still unknown.
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What’s Next
Station engineers are sourcing an alternative transmission route and expect to have a temporary setup operational by June 5. Full repairs, including possible antenna repairs, are expected to take additional weeks. Law enforcement continues investigation to determine if there are other suspects or related incidents.
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Key Questions
How was the transmission line severed?
The line was cut with a handheld tool, reportedly after prior disabling of surveillance, and then dragged to the suspect’s residence, where it was cut into smaller pieces for scrap.
What is the estimated cost of repairs?
Repair costs are estimated between $70,000 and $100,000, due to the size and pressurized nature of the lines, which complicate repairs.
Will the station be back to full power soon?
Station engineers aim to restore a temporary transmission path by June 5, but full power restoration will likely take additional weeks.
Was surveillance disabled prior to the theft?
Yes, reports suggest the suspect disabled the site’s surveillance system before cutting the lines, indicating planning and prior reconnaissance.
Source: Hacker News
