TUCSON, Ariz. — Tucson police have arrested 51-year-old Robert Joseph Carrillo in connection with a series of copper wire thefts targeting city-owned streetlights and utilities.
The investigation began in September following multiple thefts dating back to August, which disabled critical lighting infrastructure and posed serious public safety risks. Carrillo was linked to five metal theft incidents occurring between September 12 and November 6.
Police say Carrillo removed copper wiring from streetlights and sold it to scrap yards, scrapping over half a ton of copper during the thefts. A search warrant executed at his Midtown Tucson residence on November 6 recovered additional evidence, including methamphetamine, and large bins of stolen copper wire.
Carrillo was booked into the Pima County Adult Detention Center without incident. He faces charges of:
12 counts of 3rd Degree Burglary
12 counts of Criminal Damage
12 counts of Trafficking in Stolen Property
The total damage to city-owned utilities is estimated at over $46,000. Tucson Police continue investigating these crimes and other reports of metal theft, warning that such actions jeopardize drivers, pedestrians, and community safety. Anyone with information is urged to contact 88-CRIME.
