NAPA -- Thieves stole $125,000 of copper wire from the entire western span of the Brazzos Railroad Bridge over the Napa River west of American Canyon, the Napa County Sheriff's Office reported Wednesday afternoon.

Capt. John Robertson said the theft in the 1800 block of Milton Road west of American Canyon was reported Tuesday by employees of American Rail Consultants.

During the investigation, local fishermen reported seeing three men carrying large bags of copper wiring from the area around 11 a.m. Nov. 28, Robertson said. The suspects fled north in a dark blue or black Chevrolet pickup, according to the fishermen.

The thieves also caused $125,000 damage when they broke into control tower and boxes inside it on top of the bridge, Robertson said. The bridge over the Napa River will remain in the raised position until the copper wiring is replaced, Robertson said.

The thieves broke through a window to get inside the control tower and used a hook-like tool to yank out the wire that ran along the western span, Robertson said. The wire was then dropped to the ground, Robertson said.

The Sheriff's Office is asking anyone with information about the theft to call (707) 253-4452 or 253-4591.