Buena Park Man, 35, Accused Of Attempted Theft Of Copper Wiring
IRVINE (CBSLA.com) — Irvine police have arrested a 35-year-old Buena Park man they accuse of attempted grand theft of copper wiring.
Brett William Vernon was also charged with possession of stolen property and possession of burglary tools.
Lt. Julia Engen of the Irvine Police Department said police were called early Wednesday morning to investigate a suspicious subject lurking in and around a construction area.
Officers discovered a backpack containing tools consistent with copper wire theft along with a set of car keys. Officials said they also uncovered a four-piece headset, the type worn by coaches on the sidelines of pro football games.
Authorities said they didn't immediately locate the suspect but found a suspicious vehicle nearby. The vehicle had paper license plates and bolt cutters visible.
They identified Vernon as the registered driver.
After Vernon was arrested, police searched his home and reportedly seized several large electrical wire spools, some empty and some full. They also recovered some insulation casings from stripped wire; recycling receipts totaling more than $1,600 and the remaining components of the communication system headset (valued at $5,000) that was recently reported stolen from a high school in the Irvine area.
Vernon was booked into Orange County Jail and is being held on $20,000 bail.
