November 18, 2011 - Investigators in the Houston Police Department’s Metal Theft Unit are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying a suspect wanted in the theft of copper wire from a CenterPoint Energy power plant on October 18.

The suspect is described only as a white male in his 50s, with a moustache.  He has short hair and was wearing a sleeveless pullover shirt.

Surveillance photos of the wanted suspect are attached to this news release.

HPD patrol officers responded to a call from an employee of CenterPoint Energy regarding damage to two towers at the T. H. Wharton Power Plant at16301 Tomball Parkway.  Officers arrived and found the fence around the area had been cut and copper wire and parts had been stolen from the location.  Further investigation and surveillance video obtained by the HPD Metal Theft Unit determined the suspect cut the fence near the northeast corner of the power plant, entered the area and stole copper wire and copper plates.  The suspect then fled the scene on a bicycle.

Anyone with information in this case is urged to contact the HPD Metal Theft Unit at 281-405-6580.