Suspect Arrested in Connection with 21 Copper Theft Incidents

Posted: Aug 18, 2010 2:16 PM by Staff
Updated: Aug 18, 2010 2:21 PM

On August 17, 2010, detectives with the Lafayette Police Department were investigating the theft of copper tubing in the 2000 block of West University Avenue. During the course of the investigation, detectives arrested Derrick Faulk (21) of Lafayette. Faulk was charged with Possession of Stolen Property and booked into the Lafayette Parish Correctional Center. Detectives were able to develop information on a second suspect believed to be responsible for numerous thefts of copper tubing from air conditioners within the City of Lafayette. At approximately 5:30 pm, detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Theft for the arrest of Alton Joseph Johnson (36) of Lafayette. Johnson was arrested without incident near the intersection of Thirteenth Street and Magnolia Street. Detectives were able to connect Johnson to 21 incidents involving the theft of copper tubing from air conditioners within the City of Lafayette. The thefts began occurring in mid February with the last reported incident on August 11, 2010. It estimated that the cost to repair or replace the A/C units from the 21 incidents is in excess of $260,000. Detectives continue to investigate the cases and more arrest are possible.