Two East Bay Regional Park District Police officers arrested a suspected scrap metal thief who tripped a camera on EBRPD property in San Ramon Tuesday, triggering a vigorous search for a second suspect who was not located.
Park District Police Acting Sgt. Dustin Martinelli said he and another officer were dispatched to the facility in the 3000 block of Fostoria Way shortly after a surveillance camera was tripped there at about 1:30 p.m.
Martinelli said he and his fellow officer quickly located a man believed to be scavenging for scrap metal on the property and took him into custody at gunpoint. A nearby fenceline was found to have been cut and a white van believed used by the suspect was also located hidden nearby, according to Martinelli.
John Hale, 48, of Modesto, was arrested on suspicion of burglary, theft, possession of stolen property and violating his probation.
Police said Hale cut the fence to enter a barn on the property and had loaded his car, which was allegedly hidden nearby, with antique tools and copper wiring.
Hale, who was on probation for possessing stolen property, was arrested on suspicion of burglary, theft, possession of stolen property and violating his probation.
The incident raised neighborhood eyebrows as police quickly moved into the area, calling in extra resources after their suspect allegedly made statements suggesting a second person may have been involved.
No one else was located. A similar police response was seen over the weekend when a man was observed on or near the property, possibly armed with a pistol. That man was never found.
What was going on in the Marketplace last night?? Lots of police.
@Trish – Hi. We think we know what you’re talking about and covered it last night on our Facebook page. Hope to have more today.