A 22-year-old man has pleaded not guilty to charges connected to a natural gas leak caused when he allegedly entered a gas yard and ruptured a valve with a maintenance truck, prosecutors said Thursday.
James Viramonte Cogley, 22, allegedly entered a Southern California Gas Company facility in Playa del Rey on President's Day, police said.
He allegedly drove a maintenance truck over a gas valve, before stealing a pick-up truck and disappearing, prosecutors said.
Police found the pick-up truck about a mile away where it had crashed into a parked car, officials said.
Cogley faces one count each of attempted arson, grand theft auto, unlawful taking of a vehicle, and vandalism over $400.
The gas leak prompted call-out by firefighters and a hazardous materials team and woke several neighbors, who reported a hissing sound coming from the plant.
Police found the pick-up truck about a mile away where it had crashed into a parked car, officials said.
Cogley faces one count each of attempted arson, grand theft auto, unlawful taking of a vehicle, and vandalism over $400.
In a statement, a SoCal Gas spokesman said company officials are reviewing security protocols and "enhancing the security at Playa del Rey with additional staff and surveillance cameras."
