A 25-year-old man was charged Tuesday after Los Angeles County authorities said he tried to steal copper wire in the View Park neighborhood.
According to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, Elliaz Natividad was charged with attempted grand theft of copper following his arrest over the weekend. Deputies found him inside an open manhole early Saturday morning after a caller reported suspicious activity around 5 a.m.
When deputies entered the manhole, they found Natividad underground with a collection of tools, including a slim jim, tension bar, and water-pump pliers. Investigators believe he may have been attempting to cut and steal copper wiring.
Authorities said it remains unclear whether Natividad caused any damage, and AT&T crews are expected to inspect the area for possible losses.
Natividad was taken into custody and booked on charges of attempted grand theft of copper, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
