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Local › Crime & Safety

Arrest Made, Suspect Sought in Copper Theft Investigation in Northeast Austin

One individual has been apprehended while another remains at large following a series of copper cable thefts in the Mueller area.

AI IMAGEAI-generated illustration by Studio z-image. Not a photograph of the event.

In a recent development, law enforcement officials have made significant progress in their investigation of copper cable thefts that occurred in the Northeast Austin region, specifically in the Mueller area. According to reports, two individuals were involved in these thefts, which saw over 600 pounds of copper being sold after one of the incidents 12. The copper cables in question reportedly belonged to AT&T, a major telecommunications company 12, highlighting the potential impact on local infrastructure and services.

The suspects utilized vehicles to carry out their crimes, pulling down telephone poles and removing copper cables from them 23. This method suggests a level of planning and coordination, indicating that the thieves may have had prior knowledge of the locations they targeted. However, there is some discrepancy among sources regarding the specific identities and actions of the individuals involved.

Clifford Nelson Locklin, aged 52, was reported to be arrested during a traffic stop, though this detail is contested by other sources 1. Similarly, Adam Ray Lawrence, 37, who is said to be the owner of a Dodge Ram truck used in the thefts, also faces conflicting information 1. An arrest warrant for Lawrence was allegedly issued in September, with his subsequent booking into Travis County Jail occurring in October 1. Yet, these claims are disputed by alternative reports 23.

Furthermore, there is uncertainty surrounding the issuance of an arrest warrant for Locklin in October, as well as his current status as a wanted individual believed to be residing in Bastrop 1. These discrepancies highlight the complexity of the case and the need for further verification from official sources.

What we know

  • - Two suspects were involved in copper cable thefts in Northeast Austin 123
  • - Over 600 pounds of copper was sold after one of the thefts 12
  • - The copper cables belonged to AT&T 12
  • - Vehicles were used to pull down telephone poles and remove copper cables 23

What remains unclear

  • - Whether Clifford Nelson Locklin was arrested during a traffic stop 1
  • - If Adam Ray Lawrence owns a Dodge Ram truck involved in the thefts 1
  • - When and if an arrest warrant was issued for Lawrence 1
  • - Whether an arrest warrant was issued for Locklin in October 1
  • - Locklin's current location and status as a wanted individual 1

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Trust Score report

52%
Partly unverified
Probability of truth, weighted across 12 claims from 3 outlets. Each claim is scored by how many independent, reliable newsrooms support or contradict it. Method
  • confirmed
    Two suspects were involved in copper cable thefts in Northeast Austin.
    92% · supported by 3
  • likely
    Adam Lawrence sold over 600 pounds of copper after one of the thefts.
    70% · supported by 2, contradicted by 1
  • likely
    The copper cables belonged to AT&T.
    70% · supported by 2, contradicted by 1
  • likely
    The suspects used vehicles to pull down telephone poles and remove copper cables.
    70% · supported by 2, contradicted by 1
  • unverified
    The thefts occurred in August 2026.
    50% · supported by 1, contradicted by 1
  • unverified
    The thefts occurred between August and September 2026.
    50% · supported by 1, contradicted by 1
  • disputed
    Clifford Nelson Locklin, 52, was arrested during a traffic stop.
    30% · supported by 1, contradicted by 2
  • disputed
    Adam Ray Lawrence, 37, is the owner of a Dodge Ram truck involved in the thefts.
    30% · supported by 1, contradicted by 2
  • disputed
    An arrest warrant was issued for Lawrence in September.
    30% · supported by 1, contradicted by 2
  • disputed
    Lawrence was arrested and booked into Travis County Jail in October.
    30% · supported by 1, contradicted by 2
  • disputed
    An arrest warrant was issued for Locklin in October.
    30% · supported by 1, contradicted by 2
  • disputed
    Locklin is currently wanted by police and believed to reside in Bastrop.
    30% · supported by 1, contradicted by 2

Sources & references

  1. KEYE (Austin) — One arrested, another wanted in copper theft investigation in Mueller area · 2026-11-07
  2. FOX 7 Austin (Austin) — Man arrested in connection with copper cable thefts; 1 other man at large: APD · 2026-11-07
  3. KVUE (Austin) — 1 suspect arrested in northeast Austin copper thefts; police seek help finding other suspect · 2026-11-06 · headline & summary only

This article is an original synthesis written by Jessi. It does not reproduce the text of the outlets above; it cross-references their reporting and links to them so you can read the originals.

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