Burglary Attempt at Vacant Wichita Business Leaves Man Severely Burned

A burglary attempt at a vacant business in east Wichita ended in tragedy on July 17, 2025, leaving a man with severe, life-threatening electrical burns and landing his alleged accomplice behind bars on murder charges.

Explosion During Copper Theft Attempt

Wichita police and fire crews responded to a 911 call reporting a man on fire in the street near the intersection of Harry Street and Governeour Road. The caller, identified as 36-year-old Molly Hubbard, reported that 39-year-old Ryan Crawford was badly burned.

According to police affidavits, Crawford and Hubbard had entered a vacant business building along East Kellogg. Hubbard claimed they went inside to seek shelter from the rain. However, investigators discovered that the pair had been attempting to cut and steal copper wiring from the building's electrical system. During the theft, a high-voltage connection "popped" and exploded, igniting Crawford's clothing and causing severe electrical burns across his body.

Murder and Burglary Charges Filed

Crawford was escalated to a local hospital in critical condition. Following the investigation, police arrested Hubbard. Because the severe injuries occurred during the commission of a felony (burglary), Hubbard was charged with first-degree felony murder and burglary.

Wichita police have repeatedly warned of the extreme dangers associated with copper theft, noting that tampering with live industrial electrical systems poses a fatal risk to thieves and first responders alike.