Copper Theft Suspect To Be Deported

Friday, July 27th 2007, 4:30 pm

By: News On 6

An arrest is made in a big Independence Day copper theft. A Crimestoppers tip led to the arrest of an illegal immigrant who took thousands of dollars in copper from a South Tulsa construction site. He was caught on surveillance video, and News On 6 anchor Craig Day reports it turns out he's been in trouble for much more than stealing copper.

On July 4th, a thief targeted a 10,000 square foot, million dollar plus home in South Tulsa. Copper was stolen from six air conditioning units, but the crime was captured on surveillance video, good surveillance video. Two Crimestoppers tips led police to a suspect.

"This is a win for everybody. We have gotten a really, really bad criminal out of the system where he can't hurt us anymore," Tulsa Police Detective Debra Glenn said.

Tulsa police arrested Macario Parzo, who sometimes goes by Macario Adorno, in connection with the theft. Charges in the copper theft are pending, but that's just the tip of the iceberg.

"Because we had passed our new city ordinance allowing us to check the immigration status of all people arrested on misdemeanors and felonies, he indeed was wanted by ICE," said Glenn.

Parzo is now in the process of being deported back to Mexico. He faced immediate deportation because Parzo had been previously convicted in the U.S.

"The original charge was something involving a sex crime, but he was ultimately convicted of assault and battery," said Detective Glenn.

Police say he's also suspected in other crimes and may have ties to the MS-13 gang, which is known for being extremely violent.

"The Crimestoppers tips were fantastic,â€ Glenn said. â€œThis was a great effort between the citizens of Tulsa, the local P.D., Tulsa police and the federal government. It has really worked out well for the citizens. Everybody wins here."

Since ICE agents have classified Parzo as an aggravated felon, if he ever returns to the U.S., he'll face up to 20 years in prison.

The owner of the construction site where the copper theft happened says he's thrilled with the arrest. He credits great work by police, good surveillance equipment and the Crimestoppers callers who provided tips.

Watch the video: Crimestoppers Tip Leads To Copper Theft Suspect

Related Story:

7/10/2007 Police Search For Copper Thieves