WATERBURY, Conn. (AP) Police say a Waterbury man has been electrocuted while trying to steal copper from a closed public housing complex.

The Republican-American reports authorities found bolt cutters that Jose Ortiz was using to strip wiring from a transformer box. The bolt cutters were soldered to the box.

Police say a hat, socks and shoe were nearby. The 48-year-old Ortiz was taken to Waterbury Hospital at 10 p.m. Sunday, wearing a shoe that matched the other found at the housing site. Authorities don't know who took him to the hospital, where he was declared dead.

Police don't believe Ortiz stole anything before he cut into the wrong wire. Housing officials say the empty building has been robbed repeatedly in recent months.

Housing authority Chairman James Lawlor says the building has been stripped.