Michigan Sheriff: Stop Making Threats Against Utility Workers

As we approach two weeks since a devastating ice storm crippled Northern Michigan, tens of thousands of customers are still without power. A Northern Michigan sheriff is pleading with residents to stop making threats against utility companies and their line workers.

Ice Storm Cripples Northern Michigan

The catastrophic ice storm that pummeled Northern Lower Michigan during the last weekend of March has had lasting effects on residents and utility workers who are still working to clean up the damage.

Hundreds of thousands of residents were left without power as ice downed trees, power lines, and snapped poles and even caused six radio and TV broadcast towers to collapse.

Utility crews from all over the United States and Canada have converged on Northern Michigan in order to restore power, but as of today (4/11), - nearly two weeks after the storm - more than 29,000 power customers remain in the dark.

Threats Against Electric Companies and Utility Workers

In a recent Facebook video, Presque Isle County Sheriff Joe Brewbaker acknowledged that the last two weeks have been incredibly trying, saying no one could have prepared them for the devastation that has rocked the region.

But Brewbaker went on to say that threats to utility companies and linemen will not be tolerated.

"We understand that there are threats being made against the utility companies and the linemen whether it be online or in person, all the way up to death threats," Brewbaker said. "We cannot have that and there could be charges for making threats against those utility workers."

The sheriff went on to say that he has been working with the utility companies and assures residents that the linemen are working as quickly as they can and in some cases have to wait for supplies like wire and poles to be shipped into the area.

You can also view the sheriff's video by following this direct link.