Detectives Arrest Man for Copper Wire Theft

The Delaware State Police have arrested 35-year-old Brian Paraskiewicz of Wilmington, Delaware for a copper wire theft in Wilmington.

Detectives have been investigating thefts of copper wires from Verizon Wireless infrastructures across New Castle County since January 2023. In these thefts, the suspects climbed utility poles to cut and remove the copper telephone wires causing internet and phone outages to Verizon customers. On March 10, 2023, at approximately 2:24 p.m., Delaware State Police Troop 2 Property Crimes Detectives responded to the area of Kirkwood Highway and Newport Gap Pike for another report of copper wires stolen from Verizon Wireless’ infrastructure. Through months of investigation, detectives identified Brian Paraskiewicz as one of the suspects responsible for this theft.

On July 12, 2023, Paraskiewicz turned himself in at Troop 2 and was charged with the following crimes:

Theft Over $1,500 (Felony)
Criminal Mischief (Felony)
Conspiracy Second Degree (Felony)

Paraskiewicz was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2 and released on a $7,500 unsecured bond.

The Troop 2 Property Crimes Unit is investigating this incident. Detectives are asking for anyone with information regarding this case to contact Detective D. Patterson by calling 302-365-8471. Information may also be provided by sending a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and need assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit / Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll-free hotline at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the Victim Services Unit at [email protected].

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