BENICIA, CA — Four individuals have been arrested in connection with a string of copper thefts in Benicia’s industrial area after police intercepted suspects mid-theft and engaged in a multi-city pursuit.
The investigation began Wednesday morning when a Benicia police officer spotted two men loading copper cable into a U-Haul truck near East Second Street. As officers approached, both the U-Haul and a second vehicle fled the scene, triggering a pursuit.
The U-Haul was chased to San Pablo, where two suspects bailed out and attempted to flee on foot. San Pablo Police quickly detained both individuals. Meanwhile, a female suspect driving the second vehicle was arrested back on East Second Street, and a fourth suspect was found hiding at the original theft location.
The following individuals were arrested:
Tiffany Cochran, 30 – Charged with conspiracy and possession of burglary tools.
Robert Schlitz, 32 – Charged with grand theft of copper, conspiracy, and possession of a controlled substance.
Alvarado Ramirez, 36 – Charged with grand theft of copper, conspiracy, and possession of a controlled substance.
Antonio Ramirez, 46 – Charged with conspiracy and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Police say the suspects caused over $5,000 in property damage due to vandalism and stolen wiring.
Authorities are continuing the investigation and believe the suspects may be linked to other copper theft incidents in the area.
