The trickle-down effect of the global copper shortage has hit the Metro system.

The Metro Transit Police announced Thursday evening that, after a months-long investigation, it arrested a man for stealing copper wire from Metro facilities in Maryland.

James J. Mulcahey III allegedly took copper from Metro facilities including Greenbelt Rail Yard, between June and November. He transported the copper to a company in Charles County and sold it for cash. Investigators estimate the amount of copper he stole exceeded $10,000.

“We will continue to send a message to those who attempt to defraud the region’s taxpayers that such activity will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” said MTPD Chief Ronald Pavlik in a statement.

Photo by Taran Rampersad via Flickr/CC BY-SA 2.0