From The Tribune staff reports
JEFFERSON COUNTY — The Jefferson County Sherrif’s Office has arrested a suspect in a copper theft at a church on 12th Court Northwest in Birmingham on Sunday, Jan. 1.
According to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Bradley Hanel, 27, of Center Point, was arrested for the theft after deputies developed a suspect description and a suspect vehicle description.
“Additional deputies were able to utilize flock cameras near Gadsden Highway to locate a vehicle matching the description of the suspect vehicle,” Lieutenant Joni Money stated. “During the investigation, deputies discovered copper that appeared to have been cut from the HVAC Unit at the church.”
Money stated that deputies also found in Hanel’s possession multiple identification cards, credit cards, prescription medications that were not issued to him, and burglary tools.
Hanel was transported to the Jefferson County Jail in Birmingham, where he is being held on charges of trafficking in stolen identities, receiving stolen property 1st degree, theft first degree, criminal mischief first degree, possession of burglary tools, theft of property 2nd and 3rd degrees and possession of drug paraphernalia. His bonds total $80,000.
The story will be updated when more information is available.