A Mount Pleasant man is facing multiple charges following an alleged attempted burglary at a Mount Pleasant Utilities power substation late Sunday night.
According to court records, 42-year-old Kenneth Dean Darbyshire was arrested May 17 after Mount Pleasant Police responded to a reported burglary in progress at the Mount Pleasant Utilities power substation located at 700 West Yocum Lane.
Authorities say utility personnel observed a suspect inside the secured facility on surveillance cameras carrying a backpack and immediately contacted law enforcement. Court documents note the substation had already experienced two burglaries within the last month involving stolen copper wire.
According to the criminal complaint, officers arrived at approximately 11:13 p.m. and allegedly found Darbyshire inside the fenced substation near spools of new copper wire. Police say he fled on foot after ignoring commands to stop. Officers later located an e-bike believed to belong to Darbyshire before continuing a search of the area. 
Court records state officers eventually found Darbyshire hiding near a tree line around 11:20 p.m. Police say he again attempted to flee before officers took him into custody approximately five minutes later.
Investigators reported locating a backpack containing a battery-powered saw and socket-style tools, along with wire cutters both near the copper wire spools and in Darbyshire’s pocket. Officers also observed several lengths of wire that had allegedly been removed and cut from a spool.
Court documents further state the substation is protected by an eight-foot chain-link fence topped with barbed wire and secured by two locked gates. Investigators allege the rear gate lock had been disassembled to gain entry into the facility.
Mount Pleasant Utilities estimated the damaged copper wire at $1,332.26. Additional repairs needed to secure the facility, including damage to a rear gate lock, brought the total reported loss to $1,616.26, according to court documents.
Darbyshire has been charged with second-degree criminal mischief and third-degree burglary, both Class D felonies, along with possession of burglary tools and interference with official acts.