Man arrested in theft of AT&T cable from Shreveport utility pole

SHREVEPORT, La. — A Shreveport man has been arrested in connection with the theft of more than 1,000 feet of communications cable from the 4200 block of Pines Road, according to Shreveport police.

Derek Kindley, 54, was charged with felony theft.

Police said the theft occurred during the early morning hours of July 25. Investigators reviewed surveillance video that showed a red Dodge Grand Caravan stopping near a utility pole on Pines Road. A ladder was removed from the van and placed against the pole before a man climbed up and cut a large AT&T cable.

According to investigators, the man then used a reciprocating saw to cut the cable into smaller sections. Detectives later determined that about 1,067 feet of cable had been removed from the area.

Police estimated the value of the stolen wire at more than $32,000, based on a value of about $30 per foot. The estimate does not include labor or installation costs associated with replacing the cable.

On Thursday, property crimes investigators conducting a burglary operation located a red Dodge Grand Caravan matching the vehicle seen in the surveillance footage at the Walmart on Westport Avenue. Police said the van still had a ladder strapped to its roof.

Investigators contacted Kindley, who was inside the vehicle. After being advised of his rights, Kindley admitted to cutting and collecting the AT&T cable, according to police.

A search of the van reportedly uncovered tools and other evidence connected to the theft, including a reciprocating saw. The vehicle was impounded as evidence.

Kindley was booked into the Shreveport City Jail on the felony theft charge. Police said he was also found to have several active traffic warrants.

The investigation remains ongoing as detectives work to identify a second person believed to be involved and determine where the stolen copper was taken.