Duo Arrested for Allegedly Stealing Copper Wire, Tools in East Garden City

A man and woman were arrested early Friday morning after they allegedly removed tools and copper wire from several electrical trucks parked in East Garden City.

According to detectives, while on patrol detectives observed Morgan Miller, 20 of North Massapequa and James Yates, 32, of Port Jefferson in a 2013 Hyundai acting suspiciously in the rear of the Red Roof Inn at 699 Dibblee Drive.

The defendants allegedly forced entry into a construction parking lot where multiple electrical repair trucks were stored. Miller and Yates exited their vehicle, removed tools and copper wire from the trucks and placed the items into the trunk of the Hyundai. As they attempted to leave they were stopped by detectives.

Yates fled the scene on foot and was apprehended on Skylark Lane in Levittown at 3:30 a.m.

Miller was taken into custody at the scene. A pair of pliers used to cut the copper wire was recovered inside the vehicle.

Defendant Yates was charged with Grand Larceny 4th Degree, Criminal Mischief 3rd Degree and Possession of Burglary Tools. He will be arraigned at First District Court in Hempstead on Saturday, November 10, 2012.

Defendant Miller was charged with Possession of Burglary Tools. She was released on an appearance ticket and will appear at First District Court in Hempstead on Tuesday, Nov. 20.