Miami Police release details on “Not-So-Sneaky Copper Caper”

The following news release was posted by the Miami, Oklahoma Police Department:

Around 4:30 a.m. on November 27, an officer patrolling near 4th Avenue SE in Miami, Oklahoma noticed a familiar face walking out of an alley—camouflage outfit, backpack, and all.

The individual, Charles Reeves, also happened to have an active warrant, which made the timing of his alley stroll less than ideal.

During the arrest, officers found wire cutters, a folding saw, bolt cutters, and even tree-climbing gear with spikes.

Reeves claimed he was just planning to trim some branches at home. Unfortunately, officers later checked his yard and didn’t see a single freshly trimmed limb—but they did find a burn pit with previously burned wire.

Back in the alley, officers located a freshly cut 70–80 foot section of utility cable hanging from a pole, complete with brand-new climb marks.

The evidence seemed to be doing all the talking. Reeves was arrested on his warrant and now faces charges for copper theft, burglary tools, and paraphernalia. He also remains a suspect in a previous copper-theft investigation.

Moral of the story: If you’re going to tell officers you’re “just trimming trees,” make sure the trees get the memo.