Labadie, MO – A Franklin County man was electrocuted Sunday morning while allegedly attempting to steal copper wire from utility lines near a power plant, leading to multiple charges against another man investigators say was involved.
According to the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded around 10:40 a.m. Sunday to the 200 block of Labadie Power Plant Road in Labadie after a reported outage prompted a worker to check the area, where an unresponsive man was discovered.
The man was identified as Cody J. Lashly, 34, of Beaufort, Missouri, who was pronounced deceased at the scene. Authorities said his next of kin has been notified.
Investigators said Lashly was allegedly attempting to cut and remove copper wire from utility infrastructure when the incident occurred. Evidence at the scene included a modified pole with a DeWalt grinder attached, along with damaged utility lines and indicators consistent with electrocution injuries.
During the investigation, deputies reportedly reviewed surveillance footage from nearby businesses, which allegedly showed a Dodge Ram truck entering and leaving the area around the time of the incident. The vehicle was later seen leaving with only one occupant and appeared to have sustained damage, authorities said.
Investigators identified the driver as Jerry A. Hendrickson, 41, of Robertsville, Missouri. According to officials, Hendrickson allegedly admitted to driving Lashly to the site and assisting him in accessing the utility lines. Lashly was reportedly on the bed of the truck attempting to cut the wire when the line snapped, energizing nearby equipment and resulting in his electrocution.
Hendrickson allegedly told investigators he left the scene after noticing Lashly was unresponsive.
He has been charged with abandonment of a corpse, attempted stealing over $750, and damage to a critical infrastructure facility. A no-bond warrant has been issued. Authorities say the investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges may be filed.
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