Copper Thief Arrested After Month Long Investigation

Newport Police arrested Anthony Hendricksen, 25, in connection with the theft of copper downspouts from at least 16  Newport homes.  The investigation, which was led by Detective Sergeant Robert Silveria and Detective Joseph Leonardo, began in mid-April after the police received reports of stolen copper downspouts from several Newport neighborhoods. 

During this time, detectives learned that Hendricksen made several trips up to Mid-City Scrap Iron and Salvage Company in Westport, scrapping over 600 pounds of folded and compressed copper downspouts.  

After weeks of surveillance and investigation, Officer Stephen Carrig observed a man, wearing a black hooded sweatshirt walking in the area of Eustis Ave and Old Beach Road in the early morning hours of May 20th.  Officer Carrig stopped the individual, who was identified as Hendricksen, and observed that he was carrying a screwdriver.  Officer Carrig questioned Hendrickson, who stated that he was just out for a walk.  Additional officers responded and began checking the area houses for any apparent copper theft.  They later located a square copper downspout that had been folded and compressed in the area of Eustis Ave and Old Beach Road.

Sergeant Michael Naylor contacted Det. Sgt. Silveria and surveillance was put in put the copper in the rear of his car.  Police arrested Hendricksen and he later confessed to stealing the copper from the downspouts off all of the 16 houses that the Newport Police were investigating.