Police seeking man who stole brass right out from under residents

By Riley Snyder

Thursday, July 25, 2013 | 11:07 a.m.

Las Vegas police are asking for the public's help in locating a man suspected of stealing 147 decorative sidewalk lights along Fourth Street over the past several weeks.

Deputy City Marshal investigators believe that Antwon Maurice Simmons, 31, along with an accomplice, stole and attempted to sell 147 brass pieces of the lights at various area recycling centers, city spokesman Jace Radke said.

Each of the lights, which were installed in the 1990s, is estimated to cost around $580, meaning the total cost of the robberies would be around $85,000, not including labor costs, Radke said. The lights — sidewalk lights surrounded by brass — were placed to illuminate trees along Fourth Street, stretching between Colorado and Bridger avenues. Simmons allegedly broke the light out of the ground, removed the brass piece and attempted to sell it.

Simmons' alleged accomplice, 47-year-old Michael Payne, was arrested and booked into the Clark County Detention Center last week on charges of theft and possession of stolen property, Radke said.

Simmons is described as a black male, weighing around 160 pounds and standing 6 feet tall, with black hair and brown eyes. He is known to frequent sports books and may be in the company of a female companion, Radke said.

Anyone with information regarding Simmons is asked to contact investigators at 702-229-3223.