Man arrested after police find copper wire pulled from light pole

A 52-year-old man was arrested in Coachella after police found him with copper wire and burglary tools early Friday morning.

Police were called to Avenue 54 near Harrison Street on a report of a suspicious person just after 4 a.m.

They discovered a street light had been tampered with and copper wire was pulled from the interior. After searching the area, they found Jimmie Bass hiding from them.

Officers said there were three black spools of copper wire and burglary tools next to Bass. They found additional evidence linking him to the theft as well.

Bass was booked into the Riverside County Jail in Indio on charges of grand theft, felony vandalism and possession of burglary tools, according to police.

With the growing issue of metal theft in the Coachella Valley, police said it’s important for everyone to report any suspicious activity to crack down on these incidents.