Three Arrested In Attempted Loma Linda Copper Wire Theft

Three men were arrested early Sunday morning when San Bernardino County Sheriff's deputies found them with Southern California Edison property near the substation in Loma Linda.

Deputy Patrick Leon was patrolling in the 10500 block of Mountain View Avenue at 2:22 a.m. when he noticed a man, identified as 35-year-old Brian Decker of Yucaipa, walking suspiciously near the power substation, according to a news release. Decker was found in possession of Edison property.

A second deputy arrived on the scene to help with the investigation. Deputy Marc Goodwin found a hole in the fence leading into the substation, and shoe prints that matched Decker's shoes, as well as two other sets of shoe prints inside the facility. Also, deputies found that several hundred feet of copper wire had recently been cut and pulled.

While searching the surrounding area, a Jeep belonging to Decker was found with two people hiding inside. Mark Thibodeau, 23, and Victor Cortez, 23, both of Yucaipa, were in the vehicle. Thibodeau was found with a piece of cut fence, and Cortez was found to be on active parole with a no bail arrest warrant.

About $10,000 worth of damage was done to the Edison facility and about $5,000 worth of copper wire was recovered., according to the Sheriff's department.

All three men were arrested and booked at the Central Detention Facility on charges of conspiracy to commit a crime, vandalism and possession of stolen property.

According to jail records, Decker is currently free on bail, while Thibodeau is being held in lieu of $25,000 bail. Cortez is being held without bail for his previous charges. Both Cortez and Thibodeau are due in court Tuesday.

This investigation is continuing and more victims may be identified. Detectives are requesting anyone who may have information regarding these suspects to contact the Sheriff's Central station at (909) 387-3545. Witnesses who wish to remain anonymous can contact We-Tip at (800) 782-7463 you may also leave information on the We-Tip website at www.wetip.com.