Man Arrested, Accused Of Cutting San Mateo Power Lines And Wires

SAN MATEO, CA — A 30-year-old Daly City man was arrested after he allegedly cut power lines and other wires earlier this week at several San Mateo locations, police said.

San Mateo officers responded at 8:16 p.m. Monday to the 100 block of 29th Avenue after a homeowner reported a suspicious person involved in vandalism, according to city Police Department.

Officers reviewed photos and video from the area and identified a man later identified as Alfredo Salas. Police alleged the footage showed Salas cutting multiple power lines in front of the homeowner's residence.

Officers found Salas nearby a short time later. Police alleged he tried to hide a pair of wire cutters beneath a water meter cover and that they recovered the cutters and found more wires had been cut inside the water meter.

Investigators later received reports of cut wires at several other locations in the area. Police said the damage was extensive and that Salas had no apparent prior connection to the affected properties.

Salas was arrested on suspicion of felony vandalism and destroying or concealing evidence. He was booked into the San Mateo County Jail.

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