2 Charged With Stealing Highway Light Pole

GLEN BURNIE, Md. (AP) -- Maryland State Police say two men tried to steal a highway light pole on Interstate 695.

Troopers say the men were spotted on the ramp from Route 2 in Glen Burnie about 9 a.m. Monday. Troopers say a power inverter had been hooked up to a truck battery and was powering a reciprocating saw to cut up the pole, which was lying on the ground.

Troopers say a portion of the pole, valued at more than $1,700, was loaded into the truck.

James Phaneuf, 46, of Brooklyn and Quincy Hawkins, 47, of Glen Burnie have each been charged with theft and malicious destruction of property. They were released on their own recognizance.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)