Benicia's recent spate of copper thefts has stopped after the arrest of four individuals following a collaborative police pursuit spanning multiple agencies. According to the Benicia Police Department's social media post, multiple thefts on East 2nd Street have seen over $5000 in stolen materials and damage. The breakthrough occurred yesterday when Benicia officers identified two male suspects loading copper cable into a U-Haul.
The ensuing response led to a chase, with the U-Haul making a quick escape, trailed closely by law enforcement. They were supported by the California Highway Patrol, Solano County Sheriff's Office, and San Pablo Police Department throughout the investigation. Meanwhile, a second vehicle involved in the theft was intercepted, and its female driver apprehended.
After extending the pursuit to San Pablo, the male occupants of the U-Haul abandoned the vehicle and attempted to escape on foot but were swiftly detained by San Pablo PD officers. A fourth accomplice was caught soon after as he emerged from his hiding place near the initial crime scene.
Benicia Police Department's arrest records detail charges against the suspects, which include Milton Antonio Ramirez, 46, Salvador Alvarado Ramirez, 36, Richard Robert Schlitz, 32, and Tiffany Jneen Cochran, 31. Their charges range from grand theft of stolen copper materials, conspiracy to commit a crime, possession of unlawful paraphernalia, and others. The Benicia Police Department has expressed gratitude towards the partnering forces that contributed to effectively resolving this series of crimes.
