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Copper theft results in arrest
MR Burglarywire
Authorities allege the burglars were after copper in wiring. - photo by Photo provided.
A Jesup man has been charged with burglary after an investigation reportedly linked him to a theft in a new subdivision in Long County.
According to the Long County Sheriff’s Department, Deputy Craig Nobles grew suspicious when he saw a vehicle leaving a subdivision on Cypress Road that’s under construction at about 10 p.m.
Nobles attempted to conduct a traffic stop, but the 1994 blue Volvo, traveling on Elim Church Road toward Ludowici, sped up. At times, the vehicle reached speeds in excess of 100 mph.
The driver then lost control of the vehicle on Hendrix Street and ended up in a ditch.
Nobles said the two occupants of the vehicle then attempted to flee on foot, however one of the men was apprehended.
Mitchell Lee Monroe, 21, was arrested and taken to the Wayne County Jail pending charges.
Georgia State Patrol assisted with the arrest.
LCSD Detective Ty Smith was called to investigate the incident further after pieces of cut copper were found in the back seat of the automobile along with a flashlight and two pair of wire cutters.
According to Smith, the copper was matched to copper at a house at 1 Mill Pond Road where electrical copper was missing from the attic.
“We have had about 20 of these cases over the last year where people go into a house under construction and cut the copper wire and tubing from the AC planning to sell the metal,” Smith said.
He noted an electrician estimated the cost of repairing the damage was $4,500.
Monroe was charged with two felonies, burglary and possession of tools for the commission of a crime; and one misdemeanor, fleeing and eluding a police officer.
According to Smith, the case is still under investigation.
Anyone with any information regarding this case can call the LCSD at 545-2118.
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