GUILFORD COUNTY, N.C. — Two men were arrested on Monday after deputies reported that they stole Duke Energy equipment, causing an estimated $1 million in damage and leaving thousands of people without power.

Court records allege that on July 1, Kenneth Gregory, 45, and Brian Gerner, 47, removed valuable materials from a deenergized Duke Power pole. The Gregory allegedly sold the aluminum to Salvage America, Inc. and lied that he was the owner of the materials, according to court documents.

The Guilford County Sheriff's Office said the alleged theft caused 5,600 residents to go without power for six hours.

According to the Guilford County Sheriff's Office, deputies executed two search warrants on Old Julian Road in Whitsett on Monday that led to the arrest of Gerner and Gregory.

Gerner

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