Two Men Arrested In Metal Thefts From Modesto City Parks
MODESTO (CBS13) -– Two men have been arrested in connection with metal thefts from seven city parks in Modesto, according to police.
For the last several months, thieves have been targeting public parks and restrooms stealing brass plaques, plumbing, bathroom fittings and wiring.
Police have gotten reports of thefts from several parks including Graceada, Caesar Chavez, Beard Brook, Robertson Road, Vallentia, Toulumne River Regional Park and Standiford Parks.
Because the parks are operated and maintained by the city, much of the stolen merchandise was engraved with "City of Modesto" markings. While investigating, police were tipped that city property was being purchased at Yosemite Recycling.
Police arrested Yosemite Recycling owner Mohamed Rahimi of Tracy for stolen government property and possession of property identified by a government agency.
They also arrested 43-year-old Walter Schroeder of Modesto. He was identified as the man who brought the property to the recycler. He is facing charges of grand theft and possession of stolen property.
Modesto detectives are going to continue to conduct compliance checks of recycling centers and extra patrols in the parks.
Beard Brook will have to be closed for several weeks for repairs.
