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WSP Detectives Seeking Witnesses To Copper Thefts Along Freeways

WSP Media Release Cover

December 8, 2021

King County:  Washington State Patrol (WSP) detectives are seeking the public’s help in reporting of suspicious activity around Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) junctions boxes along freeways in King County.

The incidents have occurred along SR 167 and SR 518 and the theft value of the copper wire, tools and damage has exceeded well over $100,000.These thefts have occurred during daylights hours and may look as if someone is working on the boxes but in reality a theft is occurring.

Below are pictures of what these boxes look like and some of the damage that has occurred.

On December 7, 2021, troopers were able to arrest two suspects in the process of stealing copper wires from a junction box on SR 509.  The suspects were interviewed and a link to the other thefts was not able to be established at that time, however the investigation is ongoing.

WSP detectives are asking the public to call 9-1-1 if anything suspicious is observed in the area of these   junction boxes along the freeway system.  Detectives are also seeking anyone with information on thefts that have occurred.  Please contact Detective Ford at Brody.Ford@wsp.wa.gov.

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