Montgomery County, TX – Three people were arrested Friday after deputies responded to a reported copper wire theft in progress at an energy facility in southern Montgomery County, authorities said.
According to the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, District 1 Patrol deputies were dispatched Friday, January 3, to HighMark Energy in the 12000 block of Moorehead Road after a complainant spotted suspects on surveillance footage allegedly cutting copper wire from oil pumps and power poles.
Investigators said the theft resulted in a significant reduction in oil production at the facility. Detectives later determined the suspects had allegedly cut wiring earlier, staged the materials on-site, and planned to return later to retrieve the copper.
The complainant reported seeing the suspects back on the property in a silver 2016 Jeep Cherokee. Although the vehicle fled the scene before deputies arrived, responding units quickly located the Jeep and conducted a felony traffic stop at the intersection of FM 1314 and Creighton Road.
All three occupants were detained without incident and identified as a 53-year-old man, a 40-year-old man, and a 54-year-old woman. According to the sheriff’s office, one suspect is allegedly a documented gang member and was on parole at the time of arrest. Another suspect allegedly had an active warrant related to a prior theft case.
Property Crimes detectives responded to take over the investigation. Authorities said all three suspects were arrested and charged with Unlawful Use of Criminal Instruments, with additional felony charges pending as the investigation continues.
Copper thefts have become an ongoing issue across Southeast Texas, often targeting energy, utility, and construction sites due to the high resale value of the metal.
Anyone with additional information related to this case is urged to contact the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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