Jefferson County, Kentucky, January 21, 2026
A 50-year-old man from Louisville was arrested for allegedly cutting and removing critical infrastructure wiring, which led to streetlight outages and internet disruptions in Jefferson County. Following an investigation by the Critical Infrastructure Task Force, police discovered the suspect’s vehicle near the crime scene, along with tools used for cutting wire. The man faces multiple charges and is scheduled to appear in court soon.
Louisville Man Arrested for Tampering with Critical Infrastructure Wiring
Louisville, Kentucky – A 50-year-old Louisville man was arrested on Tuesday for allegedly cutting and removing critical infrastructure wiring in Jefferson County. The arrest follows an investigation by the Critical Infrastructure Task Force, which has been actively addressing similar crimes that have led to streetlight outages and internet disruptions in the area.
Details of the Arrest
Detectives from the Louisville Metro Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) discovered on January 18 that wiring had been cut, stolen, and concealed in a hidden area of Old Harrods Trace, located off the Gene Snyder Freeway near Taylorsville Road. A vehicle linked to the crime was found nearby, and upon stopping the vehicle, authorities found tools used for cutting wire. The suspect, identified as Noah Duke, was charged with criminal mischief, attempted theft by unlawful taking or disposition, trespass of key infrastructure assets, reckless driving, disregarding traffic control devices, disregarding stop signs, failure of owner to maintain required insurance or security, and no registration plates. Duke is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday, January 21, with a bond set at $2,500.
Impact on the Community
The theft of critical infrastructure wiring poses significant risks to public safety and services. Such actions can lead to streetlight outages, internet disruptions, and other essential service interruptions, affecting the daily lives of residents and the overall functionality of the community.
Background on Critical Infrastructure Theft
Theft of critical infrastructure components, including wiring, has been a growing concern in many communities. These thefts not only cause immediate service disruptions but also require costly repairs and replacements. Law enforcement agencies continue to monitor and investigate such activities to prevent further incidents and ensure the safety and reliability of public services.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What was the Louisville man arrested for?
The 50-year-old Louisville man was arrested for allegedly cutting and removing critical infrastructure wiring in Jefferson County.
What charges were filed against the suspect?
The suspect, Noah Duke, was charged with criminal mischief, attempted theft by unlawful taking or disposition, trespass of key infrastructure assets, reckless driving, disregarding traffic control devices, disregarding stop signs, failure of owner to maintain required insurance or security, and no registration plates.
When is the suspect’s court appearance?
Noah Duke is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday, January 21, with a bond set at $2,500.
What impact does this theft have on the community?
The theft of critical infrastructure wiring can lead to streetlight outages, internet disruptions, and other essential service interruptions, affecting the daily lives of residents and the overall functionality of the community.
Why is theft of critical infrastructure a concern?
Theft of critical infrastructure components poses significant risks to public safety and services, requiring costly repairs and replacements, and disrupting essential services that communities rely on.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Old Harrods Trace, off the Gene Snyder Freeway near Taylorsville Road, Jefferson County, Kentucky |
| Suspect | Noah Duke, 50-year-old Louisville man |
| Charges | Criminal mischief, attempted theft by unlawful taking or disposition, trespass of key infrastructure assets, reckless driving, disregarding traffic control devices, disregarding stop signs, failure of owner to maintain required insurance or security, and no registration plates |
| Court Appearance | Scheduled for Wednesday, January 21, with a bond set at $2,500 |
| Impact | Potential streetlight outages, internet disruptions, and other essential service interruptions affecting the community |
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