BLUEFIELD, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A man has been arrested after stealing copper wiring and other metals from a Bluefield business.
On April 14th, 2023, officers from the Bluefield Police Department responded to a call at the Econo Lodge located on East Cumberland Road in Bluefield regarding property that had been damaged.
Upon arrival, officers spoke with the caller who advised he had video footage of a male on the roof of Smoker’s, a business also located on Cumberland Road, damaging four air conditioning units by dismantling them and taking copper wiring and other metals.
Three of the damaged air conditioners are valued at $2,500 each and one was valued at $3,500, totaling in the amount of $11,000. The male suspect, Kevin Jones, was staying in the Econo Lodge at the time.
Officers asked Jones if they could step inside his room and speak with him regarding the allegations and he stated they could.
Upon entering the room, officers observed bits of metal that appeared to have been shaved off and burned. There was also a box cutter, a handheld saw, and a screwdriver laying on the bed.
Seeing what appeared to be evidence of the crime reported officers then read Mr. Jones his Miranda Rights. Mr. Jones was advised about the allegations made that he had been stealing copper and made aware that there was video footage of an individual matching his description.
Mr. Jones stated that he had taken some copper pipes that were lying around on the roof of an abandoned building but denied he had damaged anything. While speaking with Mr. Jones, officers also observed a large metal piece of machinery resembling that of a cooling unit on an air conditioner.
When asked about the metal piece, Mr. Jones stated he had gotten the item from somewhere else and had not stolen it from the Smoker’s Building.
Considering the statement given by Mr. Jones, the value of the air conditioners, and the video evidence provided, officers placed Mr. Jones under arrest for felony destruction of property. He is currently out on bond.
