Sonoma County Man Arrested for Alleged Theft of Copper Wire, Electrical Components from Commercial Warehouse
SANTA ROSA, CA — “Sonoma County Sheriff’s deputies arrested a man on October 10, 2026, after investigating the theft of copper wiring and electrical components from a commercial warehouse in Santa Rosa.
The investigation began on October 8, 2026, when the property owner discovered that someone had entered the warehouse’s electrical room and removed copper wiring and components from the building’s main electrical distribution panel, causing significant damage to the electrical system.
On October 10, 2026, at approximately 11:00 a.m., the property owner returned to the warehouse accompanied by a Sonoma County Sheriff’s deputy. Upon entering the building, they discovered an unfamiliar pickup truck parked inside. Deputies subsequently located a man inside the warehouse, later identified as Robert Hamilton, 58, a transient. Hamilton is a prolific copper thief and currently on probation for burglary.
During the investigation, deputies discovered hundreds of pounds of copper components in the pickup truck believed to have been taken from the warehouse’s electrical system. Deputies also located tools and additional evidence associated with the burglary.
Hamilton was arrested and booked into the Sonoma County Main Adult Detention Facility on suspicion of burglary, grand theft, possession of burglary tools, and other related offenses. He is being held without bail.”
