Scrap Metal Thief "Scrapped" January 29, 2008 - A suspect has been arrested and charged for a copper theft incident that occurred at 8000 Tidwell about 12 p.m. on January 24. The suspect, John D. Lee (b/m, DOB: 3-24-59), is charged with felony criminal mischief in the 185th State District Court. Aware of a recent copper theft at 8000 Tidwell, Officer O.M. Gamez, assigned to the Burglary and Theft Division Scrap Metal Unit, was patrolling the area when he observed a male at the rear of the Tidwell Elementary School. The male was inside the iron rod cage used to secure the air conditioning unit cutting and removing large pieces of copper tubing. After notifying the Northeast dispatcher and detaining the suspect, Officer Gamez contacted the Harris County District Attorney’s office who accepted charges of felony criminal mischief. This is just a small example of the exemplary work officers with the Scrap Metal Unit do on a daily basis as they work to put a dent in the copper theft cases occurring in the city of Houston. At 10 a.m. TODAY (Tuesday, January 29), investigators with the Burglary and Theft Division Scrap Metal Unit will be available to discuss details of this case in the media briefing room located on the first floor of HPD Headquarters at 1200 Travis. GO/MES 1-29-08 For additional information, please contact the HPD Public Affairs Division at 713-308-3200. |