Man Accused of Stealing $200K+ in Metal Caught in the Act in Spring Valley

A man suspected of stealing more than $200,000 worth of recyclable metals from various commercial properties was behind bars Friday, and his girlfriend also was in custody for aiding him in at least one of the crimes.

James David Solak, 22, allegedly was in the process of stealing components from a rooftop air conditioner in the 500 block of Sweetwater Springs Boulevard in Spring Valley when a detective investigating the spree of commercial thefts spotted him about 4 p.m. Thursday, according to sheriff's officials.

The investigator called in backup, and deputies surrounded the building, Sgt. Greg Hampton said. After Solak climbed down to the ground, he made a failed attempt to escape on foot. During an ensuing struggle, the personnel had to use an electric stun gun to subdue him, the sergeant said.

The suspect's girlfriend, 29-year-old Jace Tanay Hernandez, also was arrested on suspicion of taking part in at least one of the thefts.

Solak was booked into San Diego Central Jail on suspicion of eight counts of grand theft. Hernandez was being held in Las Colinas women's detention center on one count of the same charge and a burglary allegation. Both were scheduled to be arraigned Monday afternoon.

—City News Service