BOWLING GREEN KY — A 32-year-old man, James Bledsoe, was arrested Thursday afternoon by local police after he was found under a bridge near the intersection of Highway 185 and Old Richardsville Road allegedly attempting to steal copper telephone wire.
The incident unfolded when an officer, responding to a report of an abandoned vehicle in the area under the bridge, discovered a trail leading beneath the structure where Bledsoe and another individual were dragging a long piece of telephone line.
According to court records, Bledsoe admitted his intention was to strip the wire for its copper content. An employee of AT&T estimated damage and repair costs to be in excess of $1,000.
Bledsoe is charged with trespassing on infrastructure, criminal mischief, possessing burglary tools, fleeing the police and theft. Cable and copper theft is an ongoing issue across Kentucky and the U.S., as thieves target wiring in less-secure locations such as underpasses, bridges, and service conduits — often causing costly outages and safety hazards for local communities.
For Bowling Green residents and businesses, this incident highlights vulnerabilities in infrastructure around the city and the importance of vigilant monitoring.
An AT&T representative commented: “This kind of theft not only drives up repair costs but can interrupt vital services for local customers. We appreciate law enforcement’s prompt action in this case.”
A nearby resident added: “I’ve always wondered what goes on under that bridge — this just shows you how easy some of these spots can be to exploit.”
As Bledsoe awaits court proceedings, this case serves as a reminder to the Bowling Green community that even seemingly quiet spots — like under-bridges and neglected access paths — can become targets for criminal behaviour.
Increased awareness, good lighting, regular patrols and community reporting can help protect our local infrastructure and maintain the safety and continuity of services.
