MANATEE — With the value of copper increasing, more copper thefts continue to be reported to the sheriff’s office.
A utility company reported about $2,000 in copper thefts this week, according to Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.
Peace River Electric Co. reported three locations in which copper was taken from power and ground wires between Nov. 13 and 24, according to a released statement.
The incidents took place in the 13900 block of Pritchard Road, 7800 block of Buckeye Road and 12700 block of Dickey Road in Parrish.
Peace River reported another copper theft last week near the intersection of State Road 64 and Kibler Ranch Road in Myakka City.
Authorities said copper prices and the location often affects the number of thefts. Copper hit $3.15 per pound in value this week, according to the Associated Press. Two years ago, the sheriff’s office combated a crime wave of metal thefts when copper was valued at $3.45.
Anyone with any information about these latest cases can contact the sheriff’s office at (941) 747-3011 or remain anonymous by calling Crimestoppers at (866) 634-TIPS(8477).
Shooting by police under investigation
SARASOTA — After a 69-year-old woman was allegedly shot to death by her estranged husband in a parking lot Monday, deputies are still searching for the Glock .45 used, according to Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office.
Carolyn Provencal was shot in the parking lot of the Robert L. Anderson County Administration Center reportedly by her estranged 69-year-old husband Alan Provencal. He fired five shots striking her twice and killing her.
Alan Provencal was later shot by a North Port police officer and killed. The shooting took place in the 4200 block of South Salford Boulevard in North Port when Officer William Carter was standing behind Provencal and fired three shots with a department issued M4.
The sheriff’s office, State Attorney’s Office and Medical Examiner’s Office are examining the justified use of deadly force. North Port Police Department is conducting an administrative review of the incident.
— Beth Burger
Police briefs are compiled from reports from law enforcement agencies and fire departments in Manatee and Sarasota counties. Those with information about crimes can call Crimestoppers at (866) 634-TIPS.
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