Norco Man, 25, Sentenced To Probation After Admitting To Stealing Fire Hydrants

RIVERSIDE (CBSLA.com) — A 25-year-old man who pleaded guilty Friday to stealing fire hydrants was sentenced to 28 months of supervised probation.

Adam Alan Ulrich, of Norco, was arrested Feb. 13 after Riverside County sheriff's investigators seized evidence connected with the thefts at his house located in the 1400 block of Mountain Avenue.

During a status hearing at the Riverside Hall of Justice, Ulrich changed his not guilty plea and let stand the allegation of committing a felony while on bail.

Riverside County Superior Court Judge Helios Hernandez summarily dismissed three other charges including receiving stolen property.

Hernandez ordered Ulrich to undergo supervised probation limiting his range of movement . Ulrich must regularly notify his probation officer of his whereabouts.

According to sheriff's officials, between Jan. 31 and Feb. 13, investigators pursued leads that culminated in a warrant being obtained to search Ulrich's property. Seven fire hydrants were pried from their foundations on sidewalks in the area and stolen, said sheriff's Sgt. Mike Portillo.

The total value of the hydrants was estimated to be $21,000, Portillo said.

After collecting evidence at Ulrich's single-story home, deputies attempted to arrest him, and Ulrich resisted and had to be taken down by a K-9 team, Portillo said.

According to court records, Ulrich has a prior felony conviction for receiving stolen property and misdemeanor convictions for disturbing the peace and presenting false identification in an attempt to deceive a law enforcement official.

Fire hydrants are among numerous items targeted by thieves in recent years. Like manhole covers, air-conditioning units, underground street light connections, hydrants have scrap value because of their metal content, including brass rings.

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