Fiber Optic Cable Thefts
MURRIETA (CNS) – A 31-year-old man suspected of stealing fiber optic cables in Nuevo and other locations, causing thousands of dollars in damage and knocking out internet service to residences and sheriff’s substations, was behind bars Thursday.
Jordani De La Rosa Vasquez of Perris was arrested and booked into the Byrd Detention Center in Murrieta Wednesday on suspicion of grand theft, felony vandalism and removal of active telecommunications lines.
Vasquez is being held in lieu of $50,000 bail.
According to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, on the morning of July 15, the suspect allegedly tore out and took fiber optic cables in the area of Nuevo and Pico roads in Nuevo.
“This caused internet outages for residences and multiple public safety locations,” sheriff’s Sgt. Kevin Mahoney said. “The estimated cost of the theft and the damage was approximately $25,000.”
Mahoney alleged the suspect tried to perpetrate a similar theft eight days later in the area of Lakeview Avenue and 11th Street, also in Nuevo. However, the attempt was unsuccessful.
On Tuesday, Vasquez allegedly dug up and stole $5,000 worth of fiber optics near the intersection of Highway 74 and Theda Street in Good Hope, according to the sergeant.
He said that by this time, detectives had identified the pickup truck associated with the theft series, and patrol deputies were on alert.
“On Wednesday (night), deputies located the suspect vehicle in the 22000 block of Alviso Road in Perris and conducted a traffic stop,” Mahoney said. “During the stop, deputies located a large amount of wire consistent with the thefts.”
Vasquez, the driver, was taken into custody without incident.
It’s unknown exactly how many thefts or attempted thefts for which the suspect may be responsible.
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