Cables full of copper wire (File Photo – Matt Brown)
The City of Pasadena has experienced a high number of copper wire thefts from underground electrical boxes recently, with ten in November and an additional four thus far in December.
By News Desk
On Monday, December 11, 2023, Pasadena Police officers responded to a citizen report of two male subjects tampering with a city-owned underground electrical box in the 1800 block of E. Corson St. Officers found two males and a female accomplice next to an underground electrical box. The subjects had removed the box cover and cut wires 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.
Pasadena Police detectives responded and took over the investigation. The three arrested suspects are:
- Candido Benitez, Jr. (Male Hispanic, 27 years old, Los Angeles resident).
- Javier Soto (Male Hispanic, 43 years old, homeless).
- Lizbet Echeverria (Female Hispanic, 31 years old, North Hollywood resident).
On Wednesday, December 13, 2023, detectives presented the case to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office, who declined to file charges. The case on all three suspects will instead be presented to the Pasadena City Prosecutor’s office for misdemeanor filing consideration.
Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact the Pasadena Police:
- Phone them at (626)-744-4241 or
- Contact “Crime Stoppers” at (800) 222- TIPS (8477),
- Download the “P3 Tips” Mobile APP on your smartphone, or
- Use the website lacrimestoppers.org.
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