Alleged Copper Theft Disrupts Verizon Service for 100 in San Timoteo Canyon

A Cherry Valley was arrested Friday on suspicion of copper theft and vandalism of phone wires, which disrupted Verizon service to about 100 customers in San Timoteo Canyon west of Beaumont, a sheriff's sergeant said.

The downed wire cables were reported at 9 a.m. Friday near San Timoteo Canyon Road and Woodhouse Road, east of the short bridge over the creekbed and the Union Pacific tracks crossing, according to Sgt. Anthony Williams of the sheriff's Cabazon Station.

Deputies and Calimesa police spoke to Verizon workers at the scene and learned about 320 feet of telephone cable was recently stolen and dragged into a nearby field, Williams said.

Deputies followed the drag marks about 300 yards and came upon Thomas R. Thompson, 56, of Cherry Valley. Thompson was found in possession of the stolen cable and burglary tools, Williams said.

A Verizon representative told investigators the stolen cable was worth more than $1,000, the damage caused in the theft exceeded $20,000, and it disrupted phone service to about 100 customers, Williams said.

It was not clear how long it took Verizon workers to repair the damage and restore service to the affected customers.

A records check revealed Thompson was on felony probation for other theft-related crimes in San Bernardino County, Williams said.

Detectives went to Thompson's home in the 10000 block of Noble Street in Cherry Valley. During the search more items were found linking Thompson to other copper cable thefts, Williams said.

Other local law enforcement agencies were called in to view the items and try to close other cases, Williams said.

Thompson was arrested and booked at Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility in Banning on suspicion of felony charges related to the theft of copper cable and vandalism, Williams said.

Thompson's bail Friday evening was listed as $5,000, according to inmate records.

Anyone with further information regarding this or any other wire theft crimes was urged to call the Cabazon Station at (951) 922-7100, or send and email to CabazonStation@RiversideSheriff.org.