PACIFIC PALISADES, CA — A routine traffic stop turned into a felony arrest when a California Highway Patrol (CHP) sergeant pulled over a white pickup truck for expired registration near Pacific Coast Highway and Sunset Boulevard on April 23.
Upon investigating, the officer discovered the driver, Ernesto Algeria Ramirez of Norwalk, was transporting approximately 1,000 lbs. of copper with an estimated value of $5,000.
Ramirez initially claimed he had permission to remove the copper from a construction site. However, when the company foreman arrived, he confirmed that Ramirez was not authorized to take the materials.
Ramirez was arrested and booked at the Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station for Grand Theft under California Penal Code 487(a).
CHP confirmed ongoing surveillance in the Palisades area, particularly during active infrastructure rebuild projects. Copper theft has been an increasing issue in California and globally.
On April 24, Cambio 21, a Chilean news outlet, reported on a major copper theft ring bust in Coquimbo, Chile, involving 18 arrests and the seizure of $160 million, vehicles, and motorcycles. Though not directly linked, both incidents underscore the growing international scope of copper-related crimes.
