A man and a woman have been apprehended by authorities for allegedly causing significant damage to a nearly 500-foot radio tower in Hugo, Oklahoma. The tower, owned by Payne Media Group’s station K95.5, was targeted by the suspects who were attempting to steal copper. Choctaw County Sheriff Terry Park provided details about the incident, stating that the culprits cut the guy-wire on one leg of the tower, causing the top sections to collapse. The aftermath of the vandalism was shared on Facebook by the radio station in a video narrated by Will Payne.
The video revealed that the thieves specifically targeted the transmission line connected to the antenna, dismantling the tower piece by piece. Payne explained that copper thieves often cut the stolen material into 10-foot sections. Authorities suspect that the perpetrators have approximately eight to ten of these sections in their possession, possibly stored in a truck or van. Payne urged the community to remain vigilant and assist in the investigation and the subsequent rebuilding process.
Although the stolen copper is estimated to be worth only around $100, Sheriff Park believes the overall damage caused to the tower and the building to be approximately $500,000. The radio station, identified as KITX, is currently unable to broadcast over-the-air due to the tower damage. However, listeners can still access the station online, and updates regarding the investigation are being shared on the station’s Facebook page.
The suspects involved in this incident have been identified as Matt Wilson, 37 years old, and Candice Logan, 34 years old. The investigation is ongoing, and law enforcement officials are working to gather further evidence. The tower, which was constructed in 2017, was the first FM station to serve northeast Texas and southeast Oklahoma, according to a spokesperson from the station. The local community has shown overwhelming support in response to the incident, offering their assistance and expressing solidarity with the radio station.
In conclusion, the arrest of the individuals responsible for vandalizing the Oklahoma radio tower highlights the ongoing issue of copper theft. The incident has not only disrupted the station’s operations but also resulted in significant financial losses. Authorities are focused on bringing the perpetrators to justice and restoring the tower to its previous state, ensuring uninterrupted broadcasting for the community.
