On July 28, 2014, at approximately 1755 hours, Pomona Police Department received a call from PUSD Security advising a suspect was observed via their security cameras on school grounds attempting to dismantle light fixtures and stripping their interior wiring harnesses. Pomona Police Officers arrived on scene and the suspect was located as he was exiting via the front portion of the school. The suspect was detained and positively identified as the suspect seen on surveillance video stealing copper wire from the school today. The suspect was also identified as the same suspect caught on video multiple times conducting similar thefts during the past week. The suspect was interviewed and the suspect admitted to today’s theft as well as to the prior thefts. A Pomona Unified School District official estimated the total amount of damage and loss to be in excess of $10,000. Suspect Michael Echenique was booked in the Pomona City Jail for Felony Grand Theft (487 P.C) and Misdemeanor Possession of Burglary Tools (466 P.C). Anyone with information regarding this theft or any thefts related to the above location should call the Pomona Police Department at 909-620-2085. For anyone willing to provide information that wishes to remain anonymous, please contact "Crime Stoppers" at 1-800-222-8477.
