Two parolees were apprehended after being caught on camera stealing copper wire from a freeway overpass south of Fresno. The incident occurred amid a series of similar thefts targeting valuable copper wiring throughout California.

A California Highway Patrol aircraft spotted the two men using a truck to remove the copper wire and relayed their location to ground units, who arrested the suspects at the scene. Both individuals face multiple charges related to the theft.

Copper wire theft has been an ongoing issue in the state, often involving the removal of wiring from streetlights and other public infrastructure. These thefts have caused power outages, leaving neighborhoods without lighting and raising safety concerns. The problem has been particularly severe in Los Angeles, where the increasing value of copper has made the metal a frequent target for criminals. Authorities continue to monitor and address the growing number of such incidents across the region.