RANKIN COUNTY, Miss. (WJTV) – Rankin County deputies arrested a man for allegedly stealing copper wire.

According to investigators, a deputy observed a black 2011 Nissan Rouge on Highway 471 near Highway 25 just after 5:15 a.m. on Wednesday, August 21. The vehicle appeared to be disabled.

After stopping to check on the driver, the deputy saw that the vehicle was unoccupied and that there were no other suspicious circumstances regarding it. The deputy logged the vehicle’s information and continued with his patrol.

Investigators said the deputy went back to check on the vehicle and observed a man walking out from behind a locked gate to a commercial area. They said the man got into the vehicle and proceeded northbound on Highway 471 before he was stopped by the deputy.

The deputy identified the driver as 39-year-old Montana Jack Davis, of Brandon. Officials said Davis trespassed into the commercial area. They also said the deputy saw copper wires and tools inside the vehicle that are consistent with burglary and copper theft.

Investigators said Davis had stolen several items of copper wire from the area after burglarizing a semi-truck trailer parked on the property. Once the property owner was contacted, officials discovered Davis had allegedly stolen a digital security camera and a corresponding digital recording device used to monitor the area.

According to officials, the investigation into Davis uncovered that he committed two additional copper thefts in the City of Brandon and one copper theft in the City of Flowood.

Davis was arrested and charged with multiple counts of theft and burglary in addition to possession of burglary tools.

Officials with the Rankin County Sheriff’s Office said the county as a whole has experienced an increase in the theft of copper. Residents are encouraged to notify their local police department or the sheriff’s office at 601-825-1480 if they see any suspicious activity.