UPDATE: Danville PD Arrest "Persons of Interest" in Copper Vandalism and Theft Incidents

Danville Police made two arrests Sunday of "persons of interest" in a series of copper and copper-wire vandalism incidents that occurred last week.

Investigations Sgt. Allan Shields said Linda Higham, 47, of Concord and Corey Whorton, 36, of Martinez were arrested near the Park and Ride lot on Sycamore Valley Road and Interstate 680 early Sunday morning.

They were arrested after Whorton was seen walking on the I-680 overpass Sunday at 2:25 a.m. Officers then found that he was on probation and carrying what police said were burglary tools.

A search of the vehicle used by Higham and Whorton at the Park and Ride lot, revealed more than $200 in copper-wire, apparently stolen from electrical junction boxes on I-680 near La Gonda Way, Sgt. Shields said.

Whorton and Higham were arrested on suspicion of grand theft, conspiracy, possession of stolen property and possession of burglary tools and booked at the Martinez Detention Center. Whorton was also arrested on suspicion of probation violation. Higham was held at a $60,000 bond Monday, while Whorton is being held without bail.

Danville Police are investigating whether Whorton and Higham were involved in two incidents of vandalism and theft at Danville parks last week.

At Hap Magee Ranch Park, leaving nearly half of the park in darkness and an estimated $4,000 in damages.

Osage Station Park was also hit with copper theft last week when 50 plaques were removed from the Rose Memorial. The estimate of damages is $10,000 to replace the plaques.

Shields said vandals remove copper items to resell them. At market close Monday, copper was selling for $3.49 per pound.

The Danville Police department says the theft of copper items from public places is on the rise. They ask residents to be aware of suspicious activities around electrical junction boxes and report them to the police.

You may report suspicious activities by calling the Danville Police department at 925 820-2144.