3 Workers Shot While Clearing Trees for Power Company

Murphytown, NC (WorkersCompensation.com) – A North Carolina man was arrested in late July after he shot three workers clearing trees for a power company, officials said.

On July 25, Lucas Murphy, 36, confronted three contract workers who were clearing a right of way for the local power company in Murphytown, N.C., Yancey County Sheriff’s office said.

“Mr. Murphy was armed during the confrontation with the tree service workers, and subsequently, three workers were shot,” police said in a statement. “All three victims sustained serious injuries and were transported to area hospitals where they are receiving medical treatment.”

When they arrived on the scene, Yancey County Deputies exchanged gunfire with Murphy as they tried to arrest him.

“During this exchange, an officer-involved shooting took place, resulting in Mr. Murphy sustaining an injury,” police said. “He was then immediately taken into custody. Murphy was transported to an area hospital, where he is being treated for his injury.”

The condition of the three workers was not released. Yancey County Sheriff Shane Hilliard said an investigation into the incident is ongoing.

“I want to start out by saying that my thoughts and prayers are with the Asplundh victims of today’s shooting for a speedy recovery. I am so proud of my incredible deputies and dispatchers! They did an awesome job responding and getting the situation under control quickly,” Hilliard posted on social media after the shooting. “I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Heritage EMS, the out-of-county EMS departments, fire departments, rescue squad, and the other law enforcement agencies that sent personnel to assist.”

The attack comes at a time when utility workers are seeing an increase in threats.

In July, utility officials and utility worker unions called on Texas residents to stop threatening utility workers trying to restore power after Hurricane Beryl. Officials in Houston said utility workers were subject to verbal and physical threats, including having guns drawn on them.

“When Hurricane Beryl tore through Harris County, it didn’t just take people’s power,” Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia said in a press conference. “For some, it took their morals.”

Hurricane Beryl hit Harris County on Monday, July 8 taking out power for millions. Over 2,100 utility poles were damaged, and more than 18,600 trees had to be moved off of power lines. Around 14,000 line workers were called in to restore the area’s power. Their efforts were hindered because of the verbal harassment and threats of physical violence.

Some workers reported having AK-47s brandished at them, Ed Allen, business manager of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers local chapter, said.

“In 42 years in this industry, working here in this community, I have never seen a response like this,” Allen said.

A 38-year-old man was arrested and charged with aggravated assault for allegedly pointing a gun at one of the workers in southwest Houston, on Saturday, July 13. The incident caused more than 100 workers to evacuate the scene.

In May, a Carthage, N.C. resident shot and killed a utility worker he believed was trespassing outside of his home.

According to the Moore County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were called to the home on May 3. The caller was inside the home and called 911 to report that a man was taking pictures on his property. When police responded, they found Ramzan Daraev, 35, dead from a gunshot wound.

The sheriff identified Daraev as a subcontractor for Utilities One. However, he was not wearing any identification or a uniform and did not have any equipment on him. Officials said they had to identify him through family members and an international identification in his vehicle.

The caller who fired the shots was a Fort Liberty soldier, officials said.

Officials with the U.S. Army said it was not clear if the soldier would face any charges.

“We are aware of the incident in Carthage involving a USASOC soldier,” a spokesperson from Fort Liberty said. “This incident remains under investigation. Per policy, we do not comment on active investigations to protect the process’ integrity. We appreciate the dedication of the Moore County Sheriff’s Department as they investigate.”

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