Two arrested for copper theft in Thermal

(Riverside County Sheriff's Department)

Two men were arrested Friday morning after police say they stole $5,000 of copper wire and caused $20,000 worth of damage in Thermal.

After an investigation to the theft from the Imperial Irrigation District power sub-station located on Pierce Street, police identified David Cruz, 28, and Mario Sandoval, 32 as suspects, according to a media release.

Cruz and Sandoval, both of Thermal, were taken into custody and booked at the Indio Jail.

Deputies are continuing their investigation into reports of metal thefts and burglaries in the area. Anyone with information about these crimes is encouraged to call Deputy Arnoldo Iniguez at the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, Thermal Station, at 760-863-8990.