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Man Passes Out Trying To Steal Wiring, Deputies Say
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Published: August 29, 2008
Christopher Langford
William Langford (2006 mugshot)
TAMPA - A Tampa man passed out while trying to steal copper wiring from Bing Elementary School today, Hillsborough County deputies say.
Deputies determined he had tried removing copper wiring from the school's air conditioning unit.
"The suspect told deputies he used a cigarette lighter to illuminate the inside of the dark AC unit to find wiring to steal, but for some reason passed out," a Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office news release states. "Deputies summoned paramedics to the school to check on the suspect, and determined he most likely lost consciousness due to the release of Freon gas within the mechanical room and the consumption of alcohol."
Christopher Blake Langford, 43, of 2032 Clarice Circle, was charged with burglary, criminal mischief and possession of burglary tools.
When deputies arrived this morning at the school, 6409 36th Ave. S., Langford was passed out in a mechanical room. A deputy shouted at him and he woke up. He was dazed and covered in dirt and oil.
Bing Elementary didn't have air conditioning for most of the morning. The air conditioning unit had about $30,000 in damage.
Langford's nephew also was arrested today.
William Blake Langford, 22, also of 2032 Clarice Circle, was charged with burglary and criminal mischief. He also violated probation, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office Jail Web site.
Deputies say he served as lookout for Christopher Langford as his uncle entered school property between 1 and 6 a.m.
A school employee arrived about 6:45 a.m. and saw William Langford, who left the scene, deputies say.
The school employee later spotted Christopher Langford on the floor and called deputies.
William and Christopher Langford remained in Orient Road Jail today. No bail had been set for William Langford. Bail was set at $6,000 for Christopher Langford.
Reporter Josh Poltilove can be reached at jpoltilove@tampatrib.com or (813) 259-7691.
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