Jail Escapee Arrested, Accused in Metal Theft

A man who escaped from jail a year ago was captured Sunday in a Burbank drainage ditch after police spotted him inside a metal scrap yard where he was allegedly stealing copper and aluminum parts, authorities said.

Jesse Morris Jr., 55, who escaped from the Sacramento County Jail last July, was arrested on suspicion of grand theft and resisting arrest, said Sgt. Edward Skvarna. Morris is wanted on four felony warrants and two misdemeanor warrants, Skvarna said.

Morris was spotted by officers on routine patrol about 10:45 a.m. on the grounds of Wilson’s Metal Exchange in the 1000 block of Victory Place, Skvarna said. Morris was caught by the officers in the drainage ditch near Victory Place and Mariposa Street following a short foot pursuit, Skvarna said.

A pickup truck belonging to Morris was found at the scrap yard loaded with aluminum and copper, Skvarna said. He described Morris as “a very active metal thief.” Metal thieves steal from one scrap metal yard and sell to another.