FALLBROOK : Arrest Made in Power Lines Theft

Sheriff’s deputies have arrested a Fallbrook man in connection with several thefts of copper wire from San Diego Gas & Electric power lines that knocked out electricity to some North County communities in the last two months.

Jeffrey Arthur Adkins, 28, of the 700 block of Winter Haven Road, was arrested Wednesday on seven counts of interference with electric power lines, and single counts of arson and possession of a controlled substance, Deputy Victoria Reden said Thursday.

Adkins is accused of cutting power lines in the Fallbrook and Bonsall area and stripping them of copper for sale, Reden said. In some of the incidents, neighborhoods lost electricity when the lines were cut, she said.

The arson charge against Adkins stems from a fire that started when a transformer was knocked down during one of the thefts, Reden said. Adkins also was in possession of an undetermined controlled substance when he was arrested during a traffic stop in the Fallbrook area, Reden said.

Adkins was booked into the Vista County Jail with bail set at $48,000, officials said.