Tulare County Sheriff’s Office agricultural crimes detectives recovered approximately 185 pounds of suspected stolen copper wire and other materials following a traffic stop Monday, authorities said.

During the investigation, deputies found about 112 pounds of burned AT&T telecommunications cable, along with approximately 20 pounds of brass irrigation valves, radiators and other scrap metal believed to have been stolen.

Authorities arrested Royer Gonzalez, 33, of Earlimart, on suspicion of possession of stolen property. A second occupant, Benjamin Pulido, was arrested for allegedly being under the influence of a controlled substance.

The Sheriff’s Office said the investigation remains ongoing as detectives work to determine whether the recovered property is connected to additional copper thefts throughout Tulare County.

Got a Tip?

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Sgt. Bryan De Haan or Detective Richard Russell at (559) 733-6218.

Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling or texting (559) 725-4194 or emailing tcso@tipnow.com.

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