26-year-old arrested for copper theft in Merced County, sheriff says
A 26-year-old man was arrested last month on several felony charges after he was found trying to steal copper wires from Winton Middle School’s air-conditioning unit, authorities said Wednesday.
Investigators believe the man is associated with other copper wire thefts in Merced County.
On March 14 at 9 p.m., Merced County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a report of a suspect taking apart the school’s AC unit.
Deputies located a vehicle and subject believed to be involved in the theft, a Sheriff’s Office Facebook post said.
Suspect Erick Vasquez was found to be on probation. After a pat-down search, deputies found evidence that Vasquez was involved in the theft, the post said.
An unoccupied vehicle linked to Vasquez was found on school grounds. A search of the vehicle uncovered tools associated with copper wire theft and a firearm.
Vazquez was arrested and booked into the Merced County Jail for felony vandalism, grand theft, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and possession of unlawful paraphernalia, the post said.
Anyone with information regarding the incident is urged to contact Detective Thomas Griffin at 209-385-7472.
