MARTINS FERRY - A man was arrested and about 300 pounds of stolen copper recovered this past Saturday. An investigation is under way to identify the victim and return the industrial material.
Martins Ferry Police Chief John McFarland confirmed that an arrest was made Saturday morning on Fayette and South First Street. Officer Mika Armstrong apprehended Richard Frazier, 51, during a traffic stop and found the copper in his vehicle. McFarland said Frazier may have been looking for a buyer.
McFarland said there was little doubt the copper was stolen. Some of the copper had mining codes on the cases. However, police are still trying to determine where it was taken from.
Frazier was transported to the county jail on pending charges including driving under suspension, expired plates, no proof of insurance, and two warrants out of Belmont County for child support issues.
Anyone with useful information is asked to contact the Martins Ferry Police at 740-633-2121.
DeFrank can be reached at rdefrank@timesleaderonline.com
