Man Arrested for Stealing Over Half Mile of Copper Wire

Suspect faces felony charges for $225,000 in stolen telecommunications infrastructure

Apr. 7, 2026 at 5:34am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a tangled bundle of copper wires, the dramatic lighting and stark contrast creating a gritty, investigative aesthetic that conceptually represents the physical evidence of the copper wire theft.Discarded copper wires, the physical remnants of a costly theft that disrupted critical telecommunications infrastructure across San Mateo County.San Mateo Today

A 53-year-old man from Union City has been arrested on suspicion of stealing around 2,800 feet of copper wire valued at over $225,000 from telecommunications infrastructure across San Mateo County over a two-month period. The suspect was identified after being tracked to a scrap metal facility and was found in possession of additional stolen copper, illegal drugs, and ammunition when stopped by police.

Why it matters

Copper wire theft can cause significant disruption to critical telecommunications services and infrastructure, leading to costly repairs and service outages for businesses and residents. The high value of the stolen materials also makes these crimes a serious felony offense.

The details

Between February 1 and March 18, the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office received reports of 11 separate incidents of copper wire theft from telecommunications infrastructure in areas including Half Moon Bay, La Honda, Portola Valley, and Woodside. After a theft on March 23, authorities were able to identify the 53-year-old suspect and track his vehicle to a scrap metal facility, leading to his arrest the following day. In addition to the stolen copper, police found illegal drugs, drug paraphernalia, and ammunition in the suspect's vehicle.

  • The thefts occurred between February 1 and March 18, 2026.
  • The suspect was arrested on March 24, 2026.

The players

Ken Binder

San Mateo County Sheriff.

San Mateo County District Attorney

The district attorney's office filed charges against the suspect.

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What they’re saying

“We recognize how disruptive these crimes can be for our community, and we are committed to addressing copper theft.”

— Ken Binder, San Mateo County Sheriff

What’s next

The suspect is facing felony charges for the copper wire theft and other alleged violations. The San Mateo County District Attorney will prosecute the case.

The takeaway

This arrest highlights the serious consequences for individuals involved in the theft of valuable telecommunications infrastructure, which can have far-reaching impacts on local communities. Law enforcement agencies are working to combat these crimes through collaborative efforts and the effective use of technology.