GREENVILLE, Miss. — Two people were arrested following an investigation into the theft of copper wire from utility poles in Greenville, according to the Greenville Police Department.
Officers responded at approximately 5:03 a.m. Friday to the 1200 block of East John Street after receiving a report of a copper wire theft in progress. According to the department, three individuals were seen cutting copper wire from utility poles before fleeing on foot when officers arrived.
Investigators found cut and removed copper wire along East John Street, along with additional copper wire, a power saw and cutting tools believed to have been used in the theft.
Information gathered during the investigation led officers to a residence in the 1200 block of Celeste Street, where they located and detained Jeremy Cristian and Xan McClendon.
During the investigation, officers also recovered a suspected methamphetamine pipe containing a small amount of suspected methamphetamine from McClendon, police said.
Cristian was charged with grand larceny and possession of burglary tools.
McClendon faces charges of grand larceny, possession of burglary tools, possession of a controlled substance, identified as methamphetamine, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Both individuals were transported to the Greenville Police Department and booked on their respective charges.
Police Chief Marcus R. Turner Sr. said copper theft can disrupt essential services, create hazardous conditions and result in financial losses for utility providers and residents.
Anyone with information about copper theft or other criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Greenville Police Department at 662-378-1515 or Crime Stoppers at 662-378-TIPS (8477).
