Copper wire thief arrested in Fresno County, deputies say

FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – A 35-year-old Huron man was arrested following an investigation into several copper wire thefts reported at a facility in western Fresno County, according to the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies say Ag Task Force detectives were assigned to the investigation after reports of the thefts over the past two weeks.

Detectives identified a vehicle they say is involved in the crimes and located the gray 2024 Ford Ranger pickup truck and contacted the driver, Salvador Silva Valdovinos, at a mini-storage facility in Lemoore.

A search warrant was executed on the pickup and a storage unit.

Detectives report finding more than a half ton of copper wire and high voltage electrical panel components. Officials say the wire was matched to the wire installed at the facility where the theft reports originated.

Detectives also say they seized a little more than half a pound of methamphetamine.

Anyone with further information about the alleged theft is asked to contact the Ag Task Force at (559) 600-8150.