2 Arrests Made for Stripping Copper Wiring from Inside Former Foundry
Photo: Roger W. Melz
BERKELEY — Two individuals were arrested on suspicion of burglary for stripping copper wiring from inside a derelict foundry. Both suspects also have lengthy prior arrest records.
Their most recent arrests concern the abandoned Pacific Castings Steel factory, which closed in 2018. On January 27, police received a report of possible criminal activity happening there. A caller reported someone was breaking into the empty building shortly after 8 a.m.
The former foundry is situated at 1333 Second Street, between Union Pacific Railroad tracks and ramps to Freeway 101. This desolate area is frequented by homeless persons.
Cathryn J. Laszlo
Responding officers located a man and woman stripping copper wiring from inside the building. When the pair was searched, officers found bolt cutters and power tools in their possession.
Roger W. Melz, 42 of Berkeley, was arrested on the Gilman Street side of the building. As it happens, Melz had an outstanding warrant for another unrelated burglary.
Melz was booked for burglary and possession of burglar’s tools. No stranger to law enforcement, Melz has prior arrests for burglaries in March 2019 and October 2018. Consequently, Melz was on probation at the time of his latest arrest.
He has a prior conviction for vehicle theft, and previous arrests for firearms and illicit drug possession.
His companion, Cathryn J. Laszlo, 37 of Oakland, was also arrested on suspicion of burglary and possession of burglar’s tools. Similarly, Laszlo has a prior conviction for vehicle theft, and previous arrests for illicit drugs.
