Three individuals from Riverside were nabbed Tuesday night for the alleged grand theft of copper utility cables in Chino Hills, in what appears to be a theft impacting Frontier Communications. San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department reported the arrest of Jonathan Medina, 28, Brenda Sorianoyraheta, 28, and Eric Lopez, 54, after they were caught with tools linked to the crime. According to the official report, the suspects had wire cutting tools, climbing harnesses, and shoe-spikes in their possession when detained.
Detailed in a press release, the theft occurred near Carbon Canyon Road and Feldspar Drive, with an approximate value of $12,000 to the stolen cables. The theft was reported Monday, yet the swift action of the Chino Hills Police Department led to the detention of the trio the following day. The Sheriff's Department is now urging anyone with information related to the incident to come forward. Those wishing to provide tips anonymously might contact the We-Tip Hotline or leave information through their website.
Frontier Communications, the victim in this case, has not yet released a statement regarding the impact this theft may have on services in the area. The community expects disruptions whenever infrastructure is compromised, and this incident will likely be no exception. Copper theft remains a persistent issue in many regions due to the metal's value on the scrap market. Such crimes not only represent significant monetary losses but also have the potential to affect public services and safety.
All three suspects were booked at West Valley Detention Center following their arrest. The full extent of the legal proceedings and potential charges remains to be seen. Representatives of the Chino Hills Police Department, notably Deputy C. Peck or Detective A. McCoy, are handling inquiries related to the case, per the sheriff's press release. The case number designated to this incident is 222502001, and those with information are encouraged to reference this number when contacting authorities.
