Man arrested after cutting 50 ft. of copper wire at South SF Caltrain station, causing $5K in damage
SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. (KGO) -- Caught in the act. A suspect cutting copper cable from Caltrain tracks was recorded on camera early Sunday morning.
The San Mateo County's Sheriff's office had their plane overhead - monitoring the tracks.
Deputies arrested the 24-year-old suspect.
On Monday, we spoke with District Attorney Stephen Wagstaffe who said the suspect is someone with two prior felony convictions. He recently served six months in jail for stealing tools.
"Tools are one thing, it's another though and what makes this case standout is the danger to the public. The danger of what could've happen if he really took as much copper wire as he wanted," Wagstaffe said.
The Sheriff's Office said the suspect was able to cut about 50 feet of cable from beneath the train tracks. It's estimated to cost $5,000 to repair.
MORE: Copper wire theft knocks out power to Gilroy school as reform bill sits on governor's desk
We spoke with riders at the South San Francisco Caltrain station. Many were glad to know it didn't disrupt service.
"That just makes me think like how often that just goes under the radar and we don't even know about it," South San Francisco resident Gayatra Baral said.
MORE: SJ woman repeatedly loses service due to copper wire thefts; 2 caught with 150 lbs of phone lines
On Sunday, the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office announced they're now policing the rail system to enhance safety and security.
In the South Bay, VTA has also experienced instances of copper theft.
MORE: VTA light rail delayed due to alleged copper wire theft
Wagstaffe agreed coverage at transit systems is extremely important.
"They're vulnerable to people, now this fellow was not trying to hurt anybody but his actions could have hurt somebody so that to equal danger to us and the public," Wagstaffe said.
He will have a court ordered meeting with a judge on January 22.
