The Seward County Sheriff's Office has arrested three in connection with copper wire thefts.

During a night-time patrol early Thursday morning, Deputy's came across a suspicious vehicle at 448th and Fletcher Road near Utica. The vehicle's headlights went off and the driver attempted to elude the Deputy. The vehicle was finally stopped and the Deputy located a large amount of copper wire, bolt cutters, and other related items in the pickup truck.

The two occupants of the vehicle were arrested for Possession of Stolen Property and Possession of Burglary Tools. The two are identified as: Adam Lee Dewane, 46 of Lincoln, and Erica R. Sauer, 40 of Geneva.

Dewane, who is on Federal probation, was also cited for No Operator's License. An Associate, Chase R. Austin, 23, of Lincoln, was arrested on Friday after he was linked to the crimes. His charge is Conspiracy of Commit Theft by Unlawful Taking, over $1,500, a class III felony.

The three have been linked to the sale of over 4,000 pounds of copper wire since May, and are also suspects in similar crimes in Fillmore County. The investigation is continuing with the assistance of the Fillmore County Sheriff's Office.