San Angelo Suspects Arrested for Stealing Copper from HVAC Business

SAN ANGELO— Two San Angelo men and one woman were arrested over the weekend for stealing copper tubing and parts from heating and cooling businesses.

Over Mother’s Day weekend, Jesse Byers and Apolinar Barquera were arrested for theft of aluminum, copper, bronze, and/or brass with a value less than $20,000.

According to court documents, on May 13, 2023, investigators were sent to Clare’s Heating and Air Conditioning, located at 106 Joiner Avenue regarding a theft in progress. Upon arrival, the investigator observed a male subject, Barquera, actively disassembling air conditioning units. Investigators saw that Barquera was actively removing copper piping and wire from inside the units without consent from the property owner. Barquera allegedly stated he was hired to remove items from the AC units.

Then, on May 14, 2023, investigators were dispatched to an area on South Bell Street regarding the property owner of Clare’s Heating and Air Conditioning following the suspect of a theft. At the intersection of Estella Street and South Bell Street, two vehicles were stopped by the investigator.

The suspect, identified as Byers, exited his vehicle, and began saying he was being chased by the property owner. Byers allegedly stated he went to the property, took copper parts, and said the parts were in the rear of his vehicle. The investigator opened the rear of the vehicle and observed multiple air conditioner parts with copper tubing.

The owner of the business and the stolen parts was questioned about the claims made by Byers and stated that no one was allowed to remove any items from the property.

Copper is commonly stolen from business and job sites and sold as scrap metal, which is currently set at $3.68 per pound.

Barquera was arrested and booked into the Tom Green County Detention Facility on May 13, 2023, for theft of materials and is currently an inmate being held on $10,000 bond.

Byers was arrested and booked into the Tom Green County Detention Facility on May 14, 2023, for theft of materials and is currently still an inmate being held on $15,000 bond.

Amanda Glenn was arrested with Byers for the same charge and was released on May 15, 2023, after posting $10,000 bond.