Willis Man Charged After $25,000 in Copper Wire Stolen From Spring’s World Champion Centre

SPRING, TX -- On October 19, 2026, Constable Ryan Gable’s Patrol Division responded to a reported theft at the World Champion Centre, located at 28865 Birnham Wood Drive. Approximately $25,000 worth of copper wire was reported stolen from the facility. The suspect reportedly shut off power to the facility to gain access to the wire.

The case was referred to Constable Gable’s Criminal Investigation Division. Precinct 3 detectives reviewed surveillance footage of the suspect and his vehicle and used license plate reader cameras to identify and locate the vehicle.

On October 27, 2026, detectives identified the suspect as Eric Stephen Townsend of Willis, Texas. Following an interview with Townsend, detectives charged him with Theft of Metal, a state jail felony. Townsend is currently in custody at the Montgomery County Jail.

All defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.