Man caught stealing copper tube from QC diagnostic center
By Trixee Rosel
The cut copper tube allegedly taken from an outdoor air conditioning unit at a Quezon City diagnostic center is shown after it was recovered by police. (Photo courtesy of the Quezon City Police District)
A man was arrested after he was allegedly caught stealing a copper tube from an outdoor air conditioning unit at a diagnostic center in Quezon City on Friday evening, July 10.
The suspect was identified only as alias "Jomar," 39, a resident of Barangay Balon Bato, Quezon City.
Police said the incident occurred at around 6:25 p.m. at the diagnostic center along A. Bonifacio Avenue corner Pag-asa Street in Barangay San Jose after a security guard heard a loud electrical spark coming from the building's second-floor fire exit.
When the guard inspected the area, he caught the suspect beside the outdoor air conditioning unit and found that its copper tubing had already been cut.
The guard restrained the suspect and sought assistance from nearby patrolling personnel from La Loma Police Station 1, who responded and placed him under arrest.
Recovered from the suspect was a cut copper tube believed to have been taken from the damaged air conditioning unit.
A verification through the Investigation Solution Automatic Verification (ISAV) System (ISAV) showed that the suspect is a repeat offender.
Police said he previously faced cases for violation of Republic Act No. 9165 in April 2025, Republic Act No. 9287 in March 2026, and Presidential Decree No. 1602 in May 2026.
Charges for attempted theft, trespassing, and malicious mischief are being prepared against the suspect before the Quezon City Prosecutor's Office.