Some Livingston County copper thieves got more than they bargained for.

Sheriff Steve Cox says his office is investigating property damage and theft at the Fountain Grove Wildlife Area in the southeast part of the county.

Cox says unknown persons stole two batteries from the pump house and apparently tried to steal a small amount of cooper tubing from the pump.

But when the suspect tried cutting off the tube they were sprayed with diesel fuel and decided to leave the area. The damage caused about 400 gallons of diesel fuel to leak from the tank.