Shreveport Man Arrested for Stealing Over 3 Miles of Telephone Wire
In a curious turn of events, a Shreveport man has found himself behind bars after being accused of stealing a staggering 17,150 feet of telephone wire from various locations around the city. The man, identified as Benjamin D. Womeldurf, 42, was nabbed by authorities who referred to him as a “wire bandit.” This theft crime spree reportedly caused significant interruptions in communication services, even affecting the crucial 911 emergency system.
The Investigation Begins
The saga began on August 31 when Caddo Parish sheriff’s detectives intercepted surveillance footage linked to one of Womeldurf’s alleged thefts. The video captured a 2012 silver Honda Fit with two individuals inside, ultimately allowing the detectives to identify Womeldurf as one of the suspects.
Officials reported that the hours and days spent stealing wiring from telecommunications infrastructure caused considerable service disruptions not just for AT&T but potentially for residents who rely on stable communication services. AT&T revealed that the thefts spanned from July 18 to September 18, and the stolen wire totals more than 3.2 miles.
A Search That Revealed More
Arrest and Previous Charges
A Community Impact
Looking Forward
As always, remember to stay informed and stay safe, Shreveport!
Author: STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER
The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
