PHOTO FROM FREMONT PD
By Jim Emerson
FREMONT — Charges have been filed against four Fremont residents for allegedly severing
and stealing communications cables.
David A. Elmore, 47, Nicole Elmore 42, Eric J. Kosskela, 45, and Marc Rice, 51, were arrested on May 20.
Massive lengths of cable were hacked down from utility poles to sell for scrap copper. The
thefts temporarily interrupted internet, telephone landline, television, and home security
services for 10,000 Fremont households.
Only David Elmore remains in custody at Alameda County Santa Rita Jail. He has more than
20 prior arrests on his record. His alleged accomplices no longer appear in the county inmate
rooster.
The thefts began on May 9, with cables cut on the 2100 block of Peralta Boulevard, between
Archer Way and Cambridge Court. It caused $50,000 in damages to communications
infrastructure. The same suspects returned to the area on May 13, and stole another $5,000
worth of cable.
Detectives reviewed video recorded by unaffected cameras near the crime scene. Vehicles
and suspects in the perimeter of the blackout zone were identified, and placed under
surveillance.
On May 20, detectives observed the suspects scouting several Fremont neighborhoods, and
cutting more cables. Patrol officers intervened and arrested them.
Warrants were executed to search a vehicle and a Fremont residence. Detectives recovered
heavy-duty wire cutters, climbing equipment, and tools used to pull cables down from utility
poles.
The following charges were filed against all four suspects –
· Damaging or removing a utility line PC 591
· Vandalism over $1,000 PC 594
· Grand theft PC 487 (utility-grade copper)
Plus, each suspect is charged with a special enhancement for destruction and infrastructure
losses exceeding $200,000.
