Newberry Man Jailed for Stealing Copper Wire From Construction Site

GAINESVILLE ‒ 59-year-old Newberry man, Steven Dean Webb, was arrested on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, following a burglary and alleged assault at a construction site. Webb faces charges of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and burglary of an occupied dwelling after reportedly stealing copper wire and injuring the property owner during his getaway.

According to the Gainesville Police Department, the incident occurred at approximately 7:30 a.m. at a house under construction in the 2800 block of Southwest 1st Avenue. The homeowner discovered Webb inside the garage, cutting copper wire from the fuse panel with a long-handled tool. When the homeowner confronted Webb and said he was calling the police, Webb fled to his car, which was parked on the street.

The homeowner attempted to take a photo of Webb through the windshield as he tried to escape. Webb allegedly accelerated, hitting the homeowner's leg with the front bumper. The victim managed to jump out of the way and was not seriously injured.

The victim also informed police that copper wire had been stolen from the property during a prior incident on Nov. 2, when Webb was caught on video walking around the house carrying the same cutting tool. Clear photographs of Webb’s face and his vehicle’s license plate led to his identification using facial recognition software. Authorities confirmed the car is registered to someone who shares an address and last name with Webb.

An Alachua County Sheriff’s Deputy apprehended Webb at his Newberry residence. Before being read his Miranda rights, Webb reportedly admitted to being at the property but claimed he was inspecting copper pipes when the homeowner jumped in front of his car, causing the collision.

Webb’s criminal history includes a violent felony conviction and a state prison sentence for aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, for which he was released in 2004. He is currently on pre-trial release for driving without a valid license, with two additional notices to appear for subsequent violations of the same charge.

Judge Adam Lee has ordered Webb held without bail, pending a hearing on a motion from the State Attorney’s Office to keep him detained until trial. The investigation into the cost of damages and theft is ongoing as the homeowner awaits an assessment from an electrician.

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