Second man charged in Calgary copper wire theft that left 1,200 without internet, phone
Posted Dec 4, 2025 12:16 pm.
Last Updated Dec 4, 2025 4:12 pm.
A second man has been charged in the theft of copper wire in Calgary’s southeast last summer that caused disruptions to phone, internet and television service for at least 1,200 homes and businesses.
Access to 911 was also impacted as a result of the vandalism.
Shortly before 6:30 p.m. on Aug. 5, two unknown men went into a manhole in an alley way near Radcliffe Drive SE, according to police.
Investigators believe the pair cut telecommunications cables to try and steal the copper wiring.
They then left the manhole and tried to get the cables out using ropes tied to a red Dodge Ramp pickup truck.
A witness saw the suspicious activity, confronted the men, and later called 911 after they fled in the truck.
The Calgary Police Service (CPS) was able to identify the suspects thanks to information provided by the witness.
Hunter Russell Krasniuk, 38, has been charged with mischief over $5,000 and theft over $5,000.
His alleged accomplice, 40-year-old Justin Cecil Scott, was charged with mischief over $5,000 and theft over $5,000 in October.
