In a dramatic turn of events, two men have been arrested in connection with a string of copper thefts in Clarksville, leading police on a pursuit into Louisville. According to Clarksville police, Clinton Woosley, 49, and Jonathan Collins, 37, are accused of stealing a large amount of copper and wiring from local businesses, resulting in over $500,000 in damages.
Detective Justice Kraft spoke to WDRB about the recent spike in copper thefts in the area, particularly around the Lewis and Clark Parkway, where vacant businesses have been targeted. Kraft revealed that officers set up a perimeter after finding suspicious items in the area and subsequently pursued the suspects into Louisville, where they crashed and attempted to flee on foot. Fortunately, officers were able to apprehend them.
The investigation is still ongoing, with Kraft suggesting a possible connection to other copper thefts in the Kentuckiana area, including recent incidents involving light poles along interstates in Louisville. He urged businesses and homeowners to invest in surveillance cameras as a deterrent and encouraged residents to report any suspicious activity to the Clarksville Police.
Both Collins and Woosley are facing charges, including burglary, and have been taken to the Clark County Jail. Kraft commended the officers for their swift action in apprehending the suspects, emphasizing the importance of such arrests in deterring future criminal activity in the community.
As the investigation continues, authorities are hoping to put an end to the wave of copper thefts plaguing the area and prevent further damage to businesses and infrastructure.
