Missoula Police Arrest Man Linked to Copper Theft Spree

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On May 15, 2026, Missoula Police Department Officers responded to the Police Department to meet with John Doe, who was with Youngren Construction. Doe reported that an unknown suspect, in a white Ford Flex, had broken into their construction site on Butler Creek Road on May 12.  

Doe stated the suspect had damaged a 14 ft. sectional metal warehouse door, valued at $1,500, and a theft of a fab extension S/O cord valued at $800-$1,000. Doe reported the S/O cord is used for electrical power connections and described the cord as a “big fat cord” that hooks under the main panel, which is then run to the building. Doe suspected the individual was likely after copper.

On the 16th, the officer received a message from Doe, who stated he had located additional damage. Doe reported the damage included the bottom of the garage door, which he suspected was damaged when the suspect ripped the S/O cord out from underneath the door, and in the process, bent the siding as well. Doe estimated the repairs to the door to be $1,500 and the siding to be $1,700. 

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Doe later provided the officer with surveillance footage. The officer disseminated a photo of the suspect vehicle to patrol, and another officer identified the vehicle’s license plate. The officer searched the plate and found the vehicle had been attached to ten calls for service since the beginning of the year. The officer found that 40-year-old Joshua Thomas was attached to all but one of those calls.  

In the most recent call, Pacific Recycling reported a suspect in a white Ford Flex had sold copper to the recycling business, and the copper was reported to be stolen and was seized by law enforcement.  

On May 15, an officer located the suspect vehicle on Kestrel Drive. That officer approached the vehicle, where he observed Thomas sleeping in the back seat. The officer introduced himself to Thomas and advised Thomas of his Miranda warning, which Thomas acknowledged. The officer showed Thomas the photo he had been provided by Doe, to which Thomas stated, “If it was parked right there when I was using the porta-potty.” The officer informed Thomas that he was inquiring due to the warehouse having property stolen from them.

READ MORE: Missoula News - Crime Reports

The officer advised Thomas that he had a reported history of stealing copper and selling it to Pacific Recycling. Thomas argued that the copper was his and not stolen. The officer informed Thomas that he had reviewed surveillance video, causing the officer to question what Thomas was saying. Thomas stated he reached into the dumpster but did not take anything from the job site.  

The officer asked if Thomas would consent to a search of his vehicle. Thomas ultimately consented to a search. During which time, the officer located a black S/O cord on the floorboard. The officer began removing the cord and noted that the cord had already been tampered with. Thomas then stated the officer would “find a whole lot more.” Thomas stated he had gotten the cord from his buddy and that they went and turned the cord in at Axmen Recycling. Thomas claimed that his friend had gotten the cord from a dumpster near the Kia dealership. 

Thomas was arrested and transported to the Missoula County Detention Facility. He is currently being charged with felony criminal mischief and theft. His bond was set at $25,000. 

The information in this article was obtained from sources that are publicly viewable.