APD Officers Arrest Two, Recover Hundreds of Pounds of Stolen Copper

Case: 26-1130359

Date: April 23, 2026

Time: 8:15 a.m.

Location: 1900 block of Robinson Avenue

The Austin Police (APD) Commercial Burglary Unit is highlighting the proactive police work that led to the arrest of two individuals and recovery of a significant amount of suspected stolen copper.

On April 23, 2026, at 8:15 a.m., APD patrol officers responded to the 2900 block of Robinson Avenue following a report of suspicious activity. A caller reported that two individuals were transferring items from a rental truck to a pickup truck and behaving suspiciously.

When officers arrived on the scene, they observed two adult males near a U-Haul truck and a pickup truck. Both individuals initially denied knowledge of the rental vehicle. During the investigation, officers discovered the pickup truck bed was filled with large quantities of cut, heavy-gauge copper wire. The U-Haul truck displayed a switched license plate, and further inspection revealed the vehicle had been flagged in connection with a prior burglary investigation(s). Officers also observed additional indicators consistent with metal theft.

APD Commercial Burglary Detectives responded to the scene and assisted with the investigation. A probable cause search of both vehicles resulted in the recovery and seizure of more than 750 pounds of copper wire, along with tools and other evidence.
 

Both suspects, identified as John Waring and Michael Fillenworth, were arrested and charged with Unauthorized Possession of Certain Copper/Brass Material. During a search incident to arrest, Waring was also found to be in possession of cocaine and methamphetamine, resulting in additional felony drug charges.

Copper theft remains a persistent issue across the Austin area. These crimes can cause costly damage to electrical systems, construction sites, and public infrastructure, and may create serious safety hazards.

APD encourages residents to report suspicious activity, including:

• Individuals removing or transporting large amounts of wire or metal
• Vehicles with covered or concealed loads, especially near construction or utility areas
• Persons loitering around utility boxes, construction sites, or vacant properties
• Use of tools such as bolt cutters or saws in unusual circumstances

If you see suspicious activity, do not approach. Instead, call 911 for emergencies or 311 for non-emergency concerns.