San Bernardino News Daily Local news for San Bernardino, about San Bernardino.
San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) Police have arrested a suspect believed to be responsible for a series of copper thefts and acts of vandalism that impacted multiple school campuses this summer.
On July 8, following an extensive investigation, District Police tracked down and arrested Fred Owens, 42, of San Bernardino, in connection with multiple thefts of copper wiring from SBCUSD properties. Owens, who is currently on active probation, was arrested on 11 felony counts of grand theft of copper and felony vandalism.
The investigation linked the suspect to incidents at San Bernardino High School, Lytle Creek Elementary School, Allred Child Development Center and Richardson PREP HI Middle School. The estimated value of the stolen copper is approximately $70,000, with repair and replacement costs still being assessed.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information about vandalism or theft on an SBCUSD campus is encouraged to report it by calling (909) 388-6043 or using https://www.wetip.com/ to make an anonymous tip.
