Man, 52, Arrested For Allegedly Stealing Copper Wire From Coachella Light Pole

COACHELLA (CBSLA.com) — A 52-year-old man is facing charges for allegedly stealing copper wire from a light pole, authorities said.

Police were initially called out to Avenue 54 and Harrison Street early Friday morning following a 4:04 a.m. report of a "suspicious person."

When they arrived on scene, officers "observed an open access port at the base of one of the street lights," according to the statement posted on the Riverside County Sheriff-Coroner website.

"On the dirt, next to the light pole, was copper wire pulled from the interior of the light pole," the statement added.

The statement said officers searched the immediate area and located the suspect police identified as Jimmie Bass of Coachellla.

According to police, Bass was allegedly attempting to hide.

Police also said they recovered three black spools of copper wire and burglary tools.

Bass was taken into custody and booked on suspicion of grand theft, felony vandalism, and possession of burglary tools.

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