A New Mexico man is lucky to be allowed after he was severely burned as he attempted to steal the copper wiring from a closed factory.

Dennis Vegas told police he had recently lost his job and was looking to make some money by selling copper wiring. He did not have copper wiring, however, so he broke into what was once the Merrillat Cabinet Factory.

Ignoring the signs and warnings Vega made his way into a shed and grabbed a handful of copper wiring. He was immediately burned and caused several thousand dollars worth of damage to the shed.

Though seriously injured, so bad his skin was peeling off, Vega managed to walk down the road to a nearby WalMart.

Police say that since the wiring was insulated, Vega would likely have not gotten away with more than $ 30 or $40.

Treatment for his injuries can cost upwards of $250,000.

Los Lunas Police say Vega is “extremely lucky to be alive right now.”