The Columbus Police Department says six people have been arrested in connection to a series of air conditioning unit thefts that impacted businesses, churches and homes across the city.
According to police, the department’s Property Crimes Unit began investigating an increase in thefts in February. Detectives said suspects targeted air conditioning units to steal valuable metal components, then sold those materials to recycling facilities for only a few hundred dollars.
Investigators said the damage left property owners with repair and replacement costs totaling thousands of dollars at each location.
As a result of the investigation, detectives arrested six individuals and obtained 35 charges connected to 16 separate incidents.
Those arrested include:
- Ronald Waters, 44 — two counts of felony theft by taking, criminal damage to property, possession of tools for the commission of a crime
- Michael Clay, 33 — eight counts of felony theft by taking, five counts of criminal damage to property
- Lawrence Mark, 39 — four counts of felony theft by taking, three counts of possession of tools for the commission of a crime
- Wade Daniel, 52 — four counts of felony theft by taking
- Larry Golden, 62 — two counts of felony theft by taking, criminal damage to property, possession of tools for the commission of a crime
- Daquan Martinez, 32 — two counts of felony theft by taking, criminal damage to property
Police said thefts were reported in several areas of Columbus, including Victory Drive, Oakland Park, Wynnton Road, Floyd Road and Buena Vista Road.
“These crimes leave families, businesses, and places of worship without essential cooling and facing thousands of dollars in repairs,” said Lt. Jane Edenfield. “If you’re responsible for these thefts, expect to be identified and arrested.”
The department is encouraging residents to report suspicious activity around HVAC units, vacant properties or other vulnerable locations.
