EVADALE, Texas — A Newton man is behind bars after being accused of stealing copper from power poles in Evadale, according to the Jasper County Sheriff’s Department.
James Knighton, 49, was arrested Tuesday morning after deputies say he ran from a copper theft scene a day earlier. Authorities responded to a call on Monday about a man allegedly stripping copper from power poles along Highway 105. When they arrived, they found Knighton’s vehicle with copper wiring inside. However, Knighton fled on foot into a wooded area, avoiding immediate arrest.
The following morning, deputies spotted Knighton walking along Highway 96 and took him into custody without incident. He is now charged with Theft of Material – Copper, a crime that can carry serious penalties under Texas law due to its impact on infrastructure and public safety.
