Reno Police have arrested three people in connection with an ongoing investigation into a series of copper wire thefts in the Stead area.
The thefts have resulted in more than $100,000 in losses, according to investigators.
AT&T reported multiple copper wire thefts on North Virginia Street and investigators determined the suspects were targeting the area in the early morning hours.
On September 24, Reno Police officers located a vehicle associated with the investigation and arrested the driver, Christopher Kaun. He had an active warrant from the Nevada Highway Patrol.
He was also arrested on new charges related to allegedly having fictitious registration, no insurance, and was in possession of methamphetamine, according to police.
During the investigation, officers also learned Kaun had recently pawned significant quantities of copper.
Shortly afterward, Reno Police officers were conducting surveillance while working with AT&T employees near the North Virginia Street site.
Dispatch then received a report of a commercial burglary in progress at the location.
Because officers were already nearby, they quickly responded.
Officers observed a large quantity of copper wire, copper tubing, and specialized wire cutting tools in plain view of a pickup seen leaving the area.
The driver, Joshua Anderson, and his passenger, Jenae Oboyle was arrested.
Reno Police Assistant Chief Sean Garlock said, “This was more than the theft of copper wire. The damage affected critical communication systems used by our communities. Our officers and detectives followed the leads, worked with AT&T, and helped stop further damage.”
AT&T reported that fiber lines were cut four times in the Stead area, causing cellular service outages from Chilcoot, California, to Quincy, California. Radio communications for several local municipalities were also temporarily affected.
