Crime & Safety
Man Who Stole Copper From Caltrain Enters A Plea In SMC Courtroom: Prosecutors
The man was spotted by sheriff's office and volunteer pilots in a plane keeping watch over the Caltrain tracks, police said.
SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, CA — A man who police said stole copper from beneath Caltrain train tracks pleaded not guilty during his arraignment Monday in Redwood City, prosecutors said.
At around 3:30 a.m. on Sunday, Diego Palomares Sanchez, 24, was arrested by San Mateo County Sheriff's Office deputies after they saw him from their plane cutting and removing copper wire from the Caltrain tracks located between the Brisbane and South San Francisco stations.
According to the San Mateo County District Attorney's Office, the theft involved approximately 20 feet of copper wire, valued at $903.
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But prosecutors said it will cost $5,000 to repair the track .
Palomares Sanchez was arrested and charged with felony petty theft and trespassing on state property, police said.
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He pleaded not guilty to both charges after being appointed a private defender.
Palomares Sanchez remains in custody with bail set at $10,000.
The case is set to proceed with a superior court review conference on Jan. 22, followed by a preliminary hearing scheduled for Jan. 23.
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