Three suspects were arrested for allegedly tampering with city-owned property and stealing copper wire from underground electrical boxes in Pasadena, police said Wednesday.
Officers responded to the 1800 block of East Corson Street on Dec. 11 after receiving a report of two men tinkering with a city-owned underground electrical box, with the assistance of a female accomplice, according to the Pasadena Police Department.
“The subjects had removed the box cover and cut wire inside the box. A search of their vehicle revealed additional copper wire, tools, and other evidence related to the crime. The two male suspects admitted they intended to steal the copper wire,” according to a Pasadena police statement.
Detectives identified the three suspects as 27-year-old Los Angeles resident Candido Benitez Jr., 31-year-old North Hollywood resident Lizbet Echeverria, and 43-year-old Javier Soto, believed to be a transient.
The case was being reviewed by the Pasadena City Prosecutor’s office for consideration of misdemeanor charges, police said.
Anyone with information regarding the alleged copper theft was urged to contact 626-744-4241. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.