Patrolman Steve Everette, a seasoned veteran of the Barnstable Police force was the logical choice for patrolling Osterville, an area he knows very well.

On the evening of February 21, 2013, Everette was looking for a thief responsible for eleven copper thefts in the area. In fact, there had been a total of sixteen thefts of copper drainage spouts within the town limits since January 4th.

Knowing that copper can fetch upwards of $3.50 per pound, opportune criminals are walking away with the semi-precious metal anywhere they can find it not securely nailed down.

The village of Osterville is a great place to hunt for copper drainage spouts based on the existence of the uncommon expensive spouts on the numerous upscale homes, many of which are unoccupied seasonal residences.

A concerned Patrolman Everette was carefully scouring the area when he noticed a residence was missing drainage spouts, earlier he had noticed that the spouts were in place. Everette then came across a suspicious vehicle that looked out of place. It was parked in a nearby driveway and upon closer inspection Everette also noticed a pry bar on the front seat.

It wasn’t long before multiple Barnstable patrol units converged on the area and set up surveillance and a perimeter under the direction of Sergeant Kevin Tynan. Not long after that, a second vehicle was stopped after slowing and stopping near the car that had the pry bar.

At police headquarters, after confessing to stealing copper drainage spouts in Osterville, Peter Strazzullo, age 35, of Sandwich, related how he had seen Patrolman Everette’s cruiser and fled the area on foot. He also related how he hooked up with his friend who was driving the second vehicle.

Strazzullo’s car, the one with the pry bar, apparently had broken down, which is why he called his friend. A large amount of stolen copper was discovered in the trunk after the vehicle was towed back to Barnstable Police Headquarters.

The operator of the second vehicle was released without being charged.

by Robert Bastille, Hyannis News
February 22, 2013

(Booking photo and details provided by the Barnstable Police)

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