January 27, 2024 - Kern County Sheriff’s Office officials report that the Sheriff’s Office has seen a continued increase of copper wire thefts in the Rural Areas of Kern County. On January 12, 2024, the Kern County Sheriff’s Office Rural Crime Investigations Unit investigated a copper wire theft near the area of Stockdale Highway and Enos Lane. During the investigation, detectives located evidence showing SAMUEL LANE (35), of Bakersfield, was involved in the theft and vandalism.

On January 26, 2024, Rural Crime Detectives, along with members of the Kern County Sheriff’s Office High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area served a search warrant in the 1300 block of Castaic Avenue. During the search, detectives located approximately 200 pounds of cut copper wire, approximately one (1) ounce of suspected methamphetamine, 16 firearms, and several live rounds of ammunition.

LANE, along with KYLEE PEER (28), of Bakersfield, were arrested and booked at the Lerdo Justice Inmate Receiving Center. LANE was booked for violating PC 29800- Felon in possession of a firearm, PC 30305- Felon in possession of ammunition, HS 11370.1-Possession of controlled substance while armed, HS 11377- Possession of narcotics, PC 496(A)- Possession of stolen property, PC 466- Possession of burglary tools, PC 487(j)- Grand theft copper wire, PC 594- Vandalism, and PC 182- Conspiracy. PEER was booked for violation of PC 487(j)- Grand theft of copper wire, PC 594- Vandalism, PC 182- Conspiracy, and PC 496- Possession of stolen property.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact the Kern County Sheriff’s Office Rural Crime Investigations Unit at (661)392-6093 or the Secret Witness Hotline at (661)322-4040.

Source & photos: Kern County Sheriff’s Office