A 37-year-old Sayre man has been released on bond after being charged with one felony charge of stealing copper.
The investigation began at approximately 6:11 pm, April 24, 2023, after the Elk City Police Department was dispatched to the Red Carpet Inn.
The Red Carpet Inn is located on the 1100 block of State Highway 34 in Elk City.
The report stated that two male subjects had entered the property, which the City of Elk City reportedly condemned.
“The entire structure has a chain link fence that had been erected around it to keep people out of the property. Numerous no-trespassing signs have been affixed to the fencing. In addition, there is a notice from the City of Elk City Code Enforcement Officer posted on the structure’s front door stating that it is unlawful for any person to use or occupy the building. That notice was posted on September 23, 2022,” the reporting ECPD offi cer wrote.
Upon arrival at the scene, ECPD officers drove to the south side of the building and reportedly observed a silver Chrysler car parked in the lot.
The officer also allegedly observed a male subject, later identified as Daniel Rafferty, near the building.
“Rafferty had a large green transformer box opened and was attempting to pull large copper wires from the box,” the reporting officer wrote. “I instructed Rafferty to place his hands behind his back, and he immediately complied with the order.”
A second man was found on the property and was reportedly identified as Angel Rodriguez. He has been charged with a misdemeanor count of unlawful entry.
The officers allegedly found a hole cut in the fence that allowed the two men entry.
Rafferty reportedly told an officer that he was there to remove scrap metal and had not obtained permission to do so.
“Rafferty also stated that he had observed the no trespassing signs on the property,” the officer wrote.
Rafferty reportedly had a dog with him at the time, but the dog ran from officers. The vehicle was left parked in the lot.
The officers spoke with the property owner, who said he had permitted no one to be on the property outside the Elk City Fire Department.
Rafferty has been approved for a court-appointed attorney.
