Audrain County deputies arrested a man in the early morning hours today [Thursday] after he allegedly attempted to steal copper wiring from a farmer’s irrigator.
Deputies were dispatched to Audrain Road 989 after the alarm on the equipment notified the farmer the lines had been cut.
When deputies arrived, the found the wires were cut, but not removed.
An unattended vehicle was later located on Audrain Road 208, near the crime scene. After watching the vehicle, the deputies stopped it when the driver, 27 year old Jay Lee Hager of Sturgeon returned. Physical evidence was located that placed him at the crime scene.
Hager was arrested on numerous charges including for attempted stealing of copper wire, property damage, trespassing, and possession of burglar’s tools.
Hager is already on parole from the U.S. District Court after being convicted of stealing more than 50 firearms, and several motor vehicles in multiple counties.