Three transformers at the intersection of Live Oak Road (Highway 50) and Dry Lake Road were shot out by high-powered rifles Friday night, Dec. 16, at 8:20 p.m., rendering 750 homes in the Petrey and Patsburg area without power.

Petrey residents got their power back on an hour later, but 100 to 150 households in the Patsburg area did not receive power until five hours later, which was well after midnight.

Andy Kimbro, the Commercial and Industrial Account Representative of South Alabama Electric Cooperative said:

“It has been several years since we have had someone intentionally damage our electrical equipment.

It is especially unfortunate this time of the year for the elderly people who were affected.”

Kimbro stressed the seriousness of the situation, stating, “What they shot were three step-down transformers 14.4 KV/7.2 KV.

The cost to replace them was $26,000.

They were damaged beyond repair.”

South Alabama Electric Cooperative is investigating the incident.