One man was electrocuted and his female partner was severely burned after the couple attempted to steal copper wire from a vacant property in Southern California, said a CNN report.

 

"I believe they thought the power was off," said Lt. Keith Hupp of the South Gate Police Department. Police said they believe they found the couple's children -- ages 3 and 6 -- waiting in a truck near the vacant property when they arrived at the scene.

 

The woman was being treated for severe burn injuries and listed in critical condition, the report said, and the children were in the custody of protective services.