Two people are accused of breaking into a Duke Energy facility in Saluda, damaging security equipment and carrying tools deputies say could be used to break into locked areas, according to Henderson County arrest warrants.

The Henderson County Sheriff’s Office arrested Woodrow Massey and Edwrie Taylor Jr. Monday after deputies found them inside the Duke Energy building on Pot Shoals Road, according to warrants.

People near the Green River said they noticed deputies arrive in the otherwise quiet area.

“I was here that morning, and next thing I know, about four deputies pulled up,” Danny Duncan said. “They came down, talked to us and investigated what they needed to. They felt the hoods of our cars to make sure they weren’t warm. We’d been down here swimming."
The warrants allege Massey and Taylor damaged locks on trail cameras and lock boxes and removed part of a SIM card from Duke Energy security equipment. Deputies also reported finding a grinder and bolt cutters.

In a statement to News 13, Duke Energy said:

As an essential service provider and one of the nation’s largest grid operators, protecting our assets and ensuring the reliability of our system is our top priority. We continue to collaborate closely with local law enforcement and cannot provide additional information while the investigation remains ongoing.

The property has posted no-trespassing and danger signs warning of possible electrocution near electrical equipment.

Investigators also accuse

“Then afterward, we saw the tow truck. The cops pulled in there and towed everything out," said Carolyn Duncan.

Danny Duncan said the area is usually peaceful, with people walking the trail and swimming in the river, but he said theft can still happen in rural communities.

“It doesn’t surprise me, to be honest,” Duncan said of the allegations. “This is a nice place, nice community, nice people, but you get that a lot sometimes when you’re out here in the country.” Everybody usually walks the trail, goes swimming. We don’t do no harm around here. But you’ve got some people who come around here and, I guess, like to steal wire.”

Witnesses said they saw the RAV4 leave the area with a trailer attached.

Carolyn Duncan, who was near the facility when deputies arrived, said she could not imagine going inside.

“Absolutely not,” she said. “It’s very dangerous. Wires, power lines you gotta be thinking something otherwise to go up there.”

Taylor is facing charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of a stolen motor vehicle, possession of burglary tools and driving while license revoked for a reason other than impaired driving.

Massey is facing charges of possession of burglary tools, conspiracy to commit felony larceny, possession of stolen goods or property, first-degree trespassing and injury to personal property.

 

STORY & PHOTO COURTESY OF ABC 13 WLOS