Community Report Leads to Arrest of Copper Wire Thief in Imperial County

in a recent incident near Brawley, the Imperial County Sheriff's Office apprehended a suspect involved in a copper wire theft case. The incident occurred on November 4, 2023, when a concerned citizen reported a suspicious Hispanic male riding a bicycle with a bundle of copper wire near the intersection of Highway 111 and Shartz Road.

The Imperial County Sheriff's Office promptly dispatched deputies to the area to locate the individual. They identified a Hispanic male matching the description on old Highway 111 and Malan Street, who was later identified as German Arteaga-Arellano, born on August 17, 1974.

Initially, Arellano claimed he found the wire on old Highway 111 near the Bryant Road drainage canal. However, the deputies, aware of recent burglaries at the Mesquite Power Plant, decided to investigate further. At the power plant, they found fresh bicycle tire tracks and shoe impressions that matched those of Arellano. These discoveries led to his admission of involvement in the copper wire theft.

As a result, Arellano was arrested and now faces charges of Burglary, Possession of Burglary Tools, Trespassing, and Grand Theft. The estimated value of the stolen copper wire was approximately $1,000.

This incident highlights the importance of community members reporting suspicious activities, which can aid in maintaining the safety and security of local areas. The Imperial County Sheriff's Office expressed their appreciation to the vigilant individual who reported the suspicious behavior.