Metal thieves cut phone lines

Telephone service to Skamokawa was interrupted early Tuesday when suspected metal thieves cut telephone cable west of Cathlamet along SR 4.

Wahkiakum Sheriff's Department deputies investigated and found that a 1000-1200 foot section of cable wire was missing near Milepost 33.

Deputy Sheriff Jeff Fithen said Tuesday afternoon that a vehicle possibly associated with the theft was located; it was carrying tools possibly used in the cutting of the cable.

Fithen said officers are working with Cowlitz County because the suspect in the wire cutting in Wahkiakum is possibly involved in several thefts there as well. A 40-year old male is currently in custody in Cowlitz County, Fithen said.

Phone service was expected to be restored Tuesday afternoon.

“We have an investigation that is ongoing right now,” Fithen said. It is expected that deputies will have things wrapped up by the end of the week.