SAN JOSE, Calif. — A San Jose man was arrested last week for stealing copper wire at a local light rail station after a vigilant resident reported suspicious activity, authorities said.
The Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office (SCCSO) said 38-year-old Gregory Ortega was caught actively stripping sheathing from freshly cut wire at the Ohlone Chynoweth light rail station. Four deputies responded after a 911 call from a nearby apartment resident who witnessed the theft in progress.
The incident caused an estimated $30,000 in damage, according to the sheriff’s office.
Authorities noted that Ortega was on probation for burglary at the time of the arrest. He was booked into Santa Clara County Jail on charges of:
Grand theft
Possession of stolen property
Vandalism
Probation violation
Ortega is scheduled for a hearing on Wednesday at the Santa Clara County Superior Court, with his plea hearing set for December 18, records show.
