Three Arrested in Fort Worth for Theft of Copper Cables Amid Surge in Metal Thefts

FORT WORTH, Texas — Three suspects are facing felony charges after they were caught in the act of stripping copper cables from a Fort Worth building, an incident that local authorities say reflects a wider, highly disruptive epidemic of metal theft targeting critical infrastructure.

The arrests occurred after officers responded to a suspicious person call in the 2900 block of Shamrock Avenue. With assistance from the Lake Worth Police Department and real-time monitoring from the Fort Worth Police Department's Real Time Crime Center, officers caught the suspects on-site. The arrested individuals were identified as Danny Kempe, 57, and Sheldon Witt, 48, both of Fort Worth, and Darcie Jackson, 42, of Granbury.

Police recovered 155 pounds of copper wire at the scene, estimated to be worth approximately $675.80. All three individuals have been charged with one count each of theft of material (aluminum/bronze/copper/brass) valued under $20,000, which is classified as a felony in the state of Texas.

The incident highlights a growing crisis for Fort Worth. City officials recently reported a staggering 545% increase in AT&T telecommunication cable thefts alongside a 53% overall increase in metal thefts between 2020 and late 2024. These thefts have frequently cut off internet, telephone, and emergency services for thousands of local residents and businesses.