Jul 30, 2008 2:04 pm US/Central
Man Allegedly Steals Light Pole To Trade For Cash
MIAMI (CBS) ―
Imagine trying to strap a light pole, at least 30 feet long, to the roof of an Astro mini-van. Now imagine driving through busy downtown Miami traffic with that pole tied to your vehicle. That's exactly what cops say Elio Valerio and a friend did just before they were pulled over, CBS station WFOR-TV in Miami reports.
With the economy dipping, scrap metal thefts and sales are on the rise, but this goes further than most people have ever seen. "I always see people come in and bring in all kinds of stuff, but never like this. This is ridiculous," says Rita Castillo, who works near a scrap metal shop.
Valerio told police he found the pole, which belongs to Miami-Dade County, laying on the side of the road and strapped it to his van. Even better, Valerio was driving that vehicle with a suspended license. He managed to drive all the way from 83rd and Biscayne Boulevard to Northwest 7th Avenue and Northwest 21st Street. He did have some consideration for other motorists; he tied a red flag on each end of the pole.
The owner of Miami Recovery & Recycling says Valerio wanted several hundred dollars in cash for the pole. Another man, Joseph Moniz, tried to exchange a metal storm drain cover belonging to South Florida Water and Sewer.
Both men are facing felony charges of grand theft and dealing in stolen property. Valerio's friend is facing charges for helping him take the light pole in the first place.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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