RTD announces arrest after increasing cases of copper wire theft impacting operations

DENVER – The Regional Transportation District (RTD) announced Wednesday the arrest of a suspect in connection with ongoing copper wire thefts impacting rail service throughout its system.

RTD admitted that several people appeared to be involved in the thefts. Still, Wednesday’s news release said the latest arrest “represents a significant step forward in the department’s ongoing efforts to combat and prevent crime.”

The agency did not provide details of the arrest and did not release the name of the suspect.

RTD said it has experienced 21 copper wire thefts since April of this year, causing $110,000 in losses and service interruptions. The most recent accident occurred on October 8 and caused disruption to RTD’s A Line service.

In July, RTD reported five cases of copper wire theft affecting light rail service in just one week. “Most of the thefts occurred along the R Line, which runs between Peoria Station in Aurora and Lincoln Station in Lone Tree,” the July news release said.

The copper wires power rail signals and trains, and recent thefts have mostly occurred overnight along a 120-mile stretch. RTD said the issue reflects a trend for 2022.

RTD encourages the community to report suspicious behavior and warns that walking on tracks is dangerous. Anonymous tips can be shared through RTD’s Transit Watch app by calling the Transit Police dispatch center at 303-299-2911.