IRVINE, CA – Two suspects have been arrested for stealing copper wire in Irvine. Daniel Villanueva, 35, and Jose Rene Romeroocampo, 35, were arrested for grand theft, vandalism and possession of burglary tools.
At approximately 2:50 a.m. today, April 25, 2015, an Irvine Police Department officer was patrolling the area of Sand Canyon Avenue and the I-405. The officer observed Villanueva and Romeroocampo run across Sand Canyon Avenue from a parking lot toward a bike trail on the west side of the street.
The officer contacted the two suspects and determined that they were carrying wire cutters, gloves, flashlights, a screwdriver, knifes, and other burglary tools. In a subsequent search of the suspects’ vehicle, the officer located a 2-foot long piece of heavy-gauge copper wire and other burglary tools.
A check of the bike path between Sand Canyon Avenue and Jeffrey Road revealed that approximately 35 light poles were not functioning. While officers were checking the bike path, an electrical vault was found open with several freshly-cut wires exposed. The wire in the suspects’ vehicle was the same wire that was found cut in the electrical vault.
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IRVINE POLICE DEPARTMENT
One Civic Center Plaza, Irvine, CA 92606
(949) 724-7000 www.irvinepd.org
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Since its incorporation in 1971, Irvine has become a nationally recognized city, with a population of 250,384, spans 66 square miles and is recognized as one of America’s safest and most successful master-planned urban communities. Top-rated educational institutions, an enterprising business atmosphere, sound environmental stewardship, and respect for diversity all contribute to Irvine’s enviable quality of life. This family-friendly city features more than 16,000 acres of parks, sports fields and dedicated open space and is the home of the Orange County Great Park – the first great metropolitan park of the 21st century. For more information, please visit cityofirvine.org.