Sweet Home police have arrested a Sweet Home man in connection to approximately 20 cases of cutting and damaging phone, cable and power lines and boxes.
Brandon Scott Schatz, 29, has been charged with three counts of second-degree criminal mischief, two counts of second-degree burglary, two counts of first-degree criminal mischief and possession of meth.
Police Chief Jeff Lynn said additional charges are pending the continuing investigation.
Police have been dealing with related calls since Sunday, Aug. 12, Lynn said. Schatz was first arrested in connection with the cases on Aug. 14.
“We were concerned enough for his well-being; we took him to the hospital on a police officer hold,” Lynn said. His mental health was evaluated, and he was held for a time and released.
Police arrested Schatz again on Aug. 18, charging him with resisting arrest.
The crimes did not appear to be motivated by the value of the lines, Lynn said.
According to police officer reports, Schatz had talked about how the lines looked awkward and he was inspecting them, Lynn said.
As of Monday, Schatz remained lodged at Linn County Jail, held on charges of resisting arrest, first-degree criminal mischief, second-degree disorderly conduct and third-degree escape.
The district attorney’s office had filed two cases in Linn County Circuit Court for two counts of first-degree criminal mischief and possession of methamphetamines.