PINOLE — Authorities in Pinole have arrested two individuals and are searching for a third following a copper theft over the weekend that caused significant disruptions to 911 and phone services for several city departments.
The Pinole Police Department’s communication center was alerted to the service disruptions around 7:20 p.m. on Saturday. In response, staff contacted the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office to reroute 911 calls quickly to ensure public safety.
Simultaneously, police headed to the location of the copper theft, which had occurred on June 4 and had previously led to similar disruptions. Upon arrival, officers discovered three male suspects who fled into an open field towards a nearby neighborhood, defying police orders to stop.
Additional support was called in, including officers from neighboring Hercules, a helicopter from the sheriff’s office, and a canine unit. This extensive search resulted in the arrest of two suspects, along with the recovery of tools used to cut copper cables.
The suspects have been identified as 31-year-old Jesus Arias-Ayala of Hayward and 49-year-old Daniel Mena-Diaz of Richmond. They have been booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on charges of felony vandalism and damaging telephone lines. Mena-Diaz is also facing charges for a probation violation.
As of now, a third suspect remains at large, and police have not released any descriptions.
Currently, 911 calls for Pinole, Hercules, and San Pablo are being managed by the sheriff’s office, and several city department phone lines in Pinole are still down. Residents are reminded that in emergencies, they can call 911 or text 911 for immediate assistance, which goes directly to the city’s communication center. For non-emergency situations, residents can reach out at 510-724-1111 or 510-900-4246.
