Pinole, Hercules, San Pablo without 911 service for a week [Video]

Pinole police figured out why the 911 communications line went down twice this month – the first time for more than a week. 

It turns out that two men were arrested in connection to stealing copper cables, which took out the emergency system as well as the regular phone system for the cities of Pinole, Hercules and San Pablo. 

Jesus Arias-Ayala, 31, of Hayward and Daniel Mena-Diaz, 49, of Richmond were arrested in connection with felony vandalism and damaging telephone lines. Mena-Diaz was also arrested in connection with violating probation. One of the suspects, police said, was found with cutting copper cable tools when he was arrested. 

Pinole Cmdr. Matt Avery told KTVU on Tuesday that one more suspect is outstanding. 

Neither suspect has been charged as the District Attorney is currently reviewing the case. 

As Avery explained, the first time the three East Bay cities lost 911 service was on June 4 – and that issue lasted …