In the early hours of December 4, a deputy on Red Hill Road near Highway 49 flagged down an SUV for a registration violation. The 37-year-old Modesto driver, John Evans, led the deputy on a short chase of about half a mile, passing several potential stopping points, according to the Calaveras County Sheriff's Office.
Upon compliance, Sheriff's Dispatch confirmed that Evans was on active searchable probation. A search of his vehicle revealed suspected methamphetamine in a center console drink container and a bag on the front passenger seat, along with a glass pipe, burglary tools, and what appeared to be stolen copper wiring. Evans was arrested on multiple charges.
According to a social media post from the Calaveras County Sheriff's Office, deputies recovered “several hundred pounds of copper wiring and 20–25 cut sections of copper,” all believed to be stolen. Evans faces three misdemeanors and three felonies, including narcotics and theft-related offenses, as well as probation violations. He was booked at the Calaveras County Sheriff's Office without incident.
Detectives are investigating the origins of the copper and whether Evans may be connected to other thefts in the county and surrounding areas. The Sheriff's Office urges the public to report suspicious activity involving copper or other valuable metals and advises business owners to take precautions.
Additional charges against Evans may be filed as the investigation continues. Law enforcement emphasizes the importance of securing valuable metals and promptly reporting suspicious activity to help prevent theft and protect the community.
