Overview
- Fire officials say an attempted copper-cable theft in an electrical vault near the former Sears site triggered a surge that brought down lines along Western Avenue.
- An energized line landed on a minivan and set it on fire, with videos showing bright flashes and the burned-out vehicle at the scene.
- Xcel Energy shut off electricity so firefighters could work and reported about 400 homes and businesses lost service during the response.
- The utility said it later restored service to customers as crews completed repairs, and authorities reported no injuries or arrests.
- City and utility leaders said the case remains under investigation, noting recent copper thefts have spiked and prompting plans to add cameras to deter break-ins.