A thief struck at the brand new Fresno City College West Fresno Campus in recent weeks, stealing a significant amount of copper wire.
The State Center Community College District (SCCCD) Police Department arrested the thief last Friday, the district announced on Tuesday.
The big picture: SCCCD announced that the suspect is Joshua Ray Deen, 42, who is accused of stealing copper wire at the new school, causing thousands of dollars in damage.
- The theft also impacted parking lot lighting and lighting alongside walking trails and bike paths.
- SCCCD Sergeants Glenn Gardner and Michael Allison developed a plan to catch Deen.
- A team of SCCCD police officers went undercover on the campus at night and used a forward-looking infrared device to allow them to see movement on campus in the dark.
- While undercover, the officers found Deen committing copper wire theft on the north end of campus. Deen attempted to flee the scene but was arrested.
- Officers found a large amount of copper wire and burglary tools inside a duffel bag that Deen had in his possession.
- Deen was charged with four felonies, including grand theft and vandalism, and a misdemeanor for possession of burglary tools.
- He is being held in the Fresno County Jail on $35,500 bail.
