2 arrested in Casa Grande manhole cover thefts

CASA GRANDE, AZ - Casa Grande police have arrested two men suspected of stealing nearly 100 manhole covers from city streets.

On Wednesday, police arrested 41-year-old Johnny Otero and 53-year-old Audencio Alvarado, both of Casa Grande.

Casa Grande police Officer Thomas Anderson said detectives were contacted by a citizen who saw two men removing manhole covers in the area of Peart Road and Doan Street on the south side of Casa Grande.

Anderson said 40 covers, worth more than $12,000, had been stolen in the area.

The witness was able to take video of the theft in progress and based on the footage and other evidence, detectives issued a search warrant at a Casa Grande residence.

Detectives found additional evidence at the home which led to the arrests of Otero and Alvarado.

The vehicle suspected of being used in the thefts belonged to Otero and Anderson said additional evidence of the crime was found inside it.

Both men face charges of theft, trafficking of stolen property, possession of burglary tools and trespassing.

They have been booked into Pinal County Adult Detention.

Police said the suspects may be responsible for the theft of at least 50 more manhole covers from other parts of the city.

Anderson said the investigation is ongoing and police expect to find more evidence and make additional arrests.