CHP air operations catch two suspected copper wire thieves in the act near high-speed rail overpass

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- California Highway Patrol air operations spotted and helped stop an alleged copper wire theft in progress late Tuesday near a high-speed rail overpass in Fresno.

CHP aircraft patrolling the area used infrared cameras to detect what officers described as suspicious activity near the overpass at Mountain View and Chestnut Avenues.

Within seconds, officers determined that a theft appeared to be underway.

The truck the suspects were using had a rope tied to its hitch, which officers said was attached to copper wire pulled from the overpass. As the truck attempted to drive away, the wire tugged down additional lines.

With the scene monitored from above, air operations directed ground units to the location.

"The rope that they tossed over Mountain View is now tied to the hitch of the truck they're trying to drive away with it pulling down other wires with it," an officer said during radio traffic recorded on the aircraft.

The suspects did not get far before two ground units approached their truck. Video captured from the aircraft shows both individuals quickly surrendering before being taken into custody.

Officer Torres, who was aboard the CHP aircraft along with the pilot, said the suspicious activity stood out immediately.

"We flew over it and saw it. Normally people wouldn't be there at that time if they were workers; they didn't have any ladders or things like that," Torres said.

Torres explained that from inside the aircraft, he monitors up to eight radios while watching two screens and operating the camera system.

"You have the handheld over there right next to the keyboard, that's what we use to control the camera. Kind of like a control video game sort of thing," he said.

Officials identified the suspects as 38-year-old Jason Matthew Walker Sr. and 53-year-old Bryan Charles Boreliz.

Authorities said the two were able to pull about 15 to 25 feet of copper wire from the overpass.

CHP officials said copper theft has become increasingly common because of the metal's high scrap value.

"When you're driving up a highway, freeway and city streets you'll stumble upon it it's that common," Sgt. Chris Barrett said.

CHP leaders emphasized that air operations provide critical support to state law enforcement, offering a broader perspective and capturing evidence that can lead to safer outcomes.

"A lot of people think all we do is write tickets and crashes on the freeway far from it," Barrett said. "We have a large footprint in general law enforcement as well."

The investigation is ongoing by Fresno CHP. The two suspects could be facing serious charges like felony grand theft, vandalism, and conspiracy.

For news and weather updates, follow Brisa Colón on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.