Suspected copper thieves caught red-handed

SUGAR LAND, Texas – An alert officer on a late-night patrol foiled the plans of three suspected copper thieves.

It was almost midnight Thursday at the future home of the Sugar Land Skeeters, Constellation Field in Sugar Land, when officials said a patrol officer on a property check spotted the suspects on a stretch of dirt road leading off Highway 6.

Officials said the officer saw three men wearing hard hats and construction vests standing over several coils of copper wire.

Investigators said the officer made contact with the general superintendent who confirmed the three were not supposed to be there, let alone taking copper cable.

Officials said the three suspects were trying to pack an estimated $10,000 worth of copper cable intended for stadium lighting into the back of their truck.

Alexander Lizama, Alirio Parada and Josue Escobar were charged with attempted theft.