At a Glance
- Two men were involved in a copper wire theft in Chatsworth.
- Police responded at 2 a.m. near Mason Avenue between Chatsworth and San Jose streets.
- One suspect was taken into custody; the other refused to exit and is believed to be unhoused.
Why it matters: The incident highlights the ongoing theft of valuable materials and the need for rapid response by law enforcement and fire services.
At around 2 a.m., police and firefighters were dispatched to an underground location in Chatsworth after a neighbor reported seeing two men stealing copper wire. One suspect was detained, while the other remained inside and was later identified as possibly unhoused. The Los Angeles Fire Department used a specialized camera to observe and communicate with the suspect.
The Incident
The event took place underground, near Mason Avenue between Chatsworth and San Jose streets. A neighbor had seen two men in the area and reported the activity to authorities.
The Response
Police arrived shortly after the neighbor’s report. Firefighters joined the scene and used a specialized camera to see the suspect inside the confined space.
The Investigation
Battalion Chief Adrian Vasquez stated that the suspect was moving around and had equipment and ripped up wires. He also noted that the suspect refused to exit the area.
The Equipment
Firefighters used a specialized camera to see the man and communicate with him. The camera allowed the crew to assess the situation without direct contact.
The Suspects
| Suspect | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Suspect 1 | In custody | Detained by police |
| Suspect 2 | Not exited | Possibly unhoused |
Key Takeaways
- The theft involved copper wire, a valuable material often targeted by thieves.
- Police and firefighters coordinated quickly to secure the scene.
- One suspect was taken into custody, while the other remains inside and is believed to be unhoused.
The incident underscores the importance of swift law-enforcement action and the role of fire services in complex rescue operations.
