GREENACRES, Fla. (CBS12) — A loud engine revving and a sandy mishap helped deputies uncover a theft of nearly $25,000 in brass and aluminum from a Greenacres construction site.
On August 12, Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a noise complaint at the corner of Nash Trail and Caramel Lane, reporting a truck revving its engine. After a 45-minute search, deputies found the truck stuck in sand at an empty construction site.
The driver, 45-year-old Daniel Beale, claimed he was “looking for a shortcut and got stuck,” according to his criminal probable cause affidavit. Deputies noticed 21 brass fittings attached to a PVC pipe in plain view. A sweep of the construction site revealed multiple missing brass fittings and tire tracks leading back to Beale’s truck.
Beale said he worked in construction at his father’s company and usually kept used brass fittings. His truck was towed, and he was initially released because deputies couldn’t reach a site representative.
The next day, deputies contacted a construction representative who reported 35 brass fittings and aluminum stiffeners missing since August 6, with replacement costs totaling $24,505. Downrite Construction, managing the project, confirmed they wished to prosecute.
Beale was taken into custody when he came to retrieve his vehicle from the tow lot. He maintained he was trying to find a shortcut to a friend’s house.
He was booked on charges of grand theft and criminal mischief.
