KERN COUNTY, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — A man suspected of copper wire theft was arrested following a pursuit in eastern Kern County early Friday morning, according to the Kern County Sheriff’s Office.
The incident began around 2:45 a.m. when deputies responded to a report of a copper wire theft near South Enos Lane and Panama Lane. The investigation led detectives to a vehicle linked to a previous burglary in Santa Barbara County. The vehicle was spotted near Highway 33 and Cadet Road in Maricopa.
The driver, identified as 30-year-old Tyler Traylor of Taft, attempted to flee through an oilfield property but was quickly apprehended after a brief foot chase.
Inside the vehicle, detectives discovered stolen property, including firearms related to the Santa Barbara investigation. Traylor, who was on active felony probation, was arrested and booked at the Kern County Inmate Reception Center. He faces multiple charges, including second-degree burglary, possession of stolen property, and resisting arrest.
A search of Traylor’s residence revealed a large quantity of copper wire, further linking him to the theft. Authorities are also investigating the involvement of an additional suspect in the theft near South Enos Lane and Panama Lane, although the individual remains unidentified.
The Kern County Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with information about the investigation to contact their Rural Crime Unit at (661) 861-3110 or the Secret Witness Hotline at (661) 322-4040.
