In a concerted crackdown on the rampant copper theft plaguing Portland, authorities have made several arrests. The Portland Police Bureau (PPB), after a meticulously orchestrated investigation, detained individuals allegedly linked to a spate of thefts that have caused more than $2 million in damages and substantial disruptions to communication networks around the city. The investigation, which involved multiple areas including Northeast 162nd Avenue and Northeast San Rafael Street, was initiated following a series of incidents where both overhead and underground communication lines were targeted and removed.
Working alongside the community and patrol officers, PPB's East Precinct Neighborhood Response Team homed in on a property on Northeast Skidmore Street, reputed to be the hub of the illicit operation. In the early hours of November 3rd, the premise, suspected by the investigative leads, was raided in a joint operation with teams from SERT, CNT, PPB's K9 unit, the North Precinct NRT, and the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office. The search uncovered a trove of what police described as evidence indicative of copper theft, including materials and equipment used to strip copper wiring of its insulation.
According to a press release by PPB, Jeremy J. Pruitt, 38, and Kimberly J. Poehler, 39, were placed under arrest and are now facing several charges, including Theft in the First Degree and Criminal Mischief in the First Degree. Reported by MCSO civil deputies, the property was later vacated and returned to its legitimate owner's estate, having found out the occupants had been residing there without legal permission.
On a related note, Justin Gilpatrick, 40, was cited for his alleged involvement in the copper theft ring. As the PPB has emphasized, their investigation is not yet concluded, and it appears further charges are on the horizon. Calls have been made for public assistance, encouraging anyone with information to come forward and reach out to the authorities via email at [email protected], referencing case number 25-244858. With the community's cooperation, PPB hopes to put an end to this criminal trend and restore the integrity of local services affected by these thefts.
