2 men arrested for stealing copper wire, vehicle in Buffalo

DALLAS COUNTY, Mo. — Two men were arrested in Buffalo, Missouri after investigating the theft of thousands of dollars of copper wiring and a vehicle.

Brian Deckard was arrested on charges of stealing $750 or more and possession of a controlled substance. Jeffrey Whitehead was arrested on charges of stealing a motor vehicle and trespassing.

According to the Buffalo Police Department, police were called to East Main Street in Buffalo on Nov. 26 and 27 following the reports of copper wire thefts affecting Brightspeed internet. The investigation revealed approximately 580 feet of internet wire that had been cut from a pole, valued at $8,500.

It was revealed through the investigation that Deckard had been in the area multiple times on those days. Police made contact with Deckard who admitted to being at the location of the theft while Whitehead and another accomplice used grinders to cut down the wire. At Deckard's house, burnt wire was found in the backyard along with stripping tools.

During the search, Deckard was also found in possession of methamphetamine. He was arrested and taken to the Dallas County Jail. Deckard told police that White

Whitehead was arrested on Dec. 3 after admitting that he stole a vehicle from East Missouri Street in Buffalo by hooking an abandoned truck to his own and towing it away. The truck was valued at over $5,000.

Documents state Whitehead admitted to going to a salvage processor two times and selling items, including the truck on Nov. 28.

Deckard is due in court on Dec. 31 and Whitehead has an arraignment scheduled for Dec. 17.