A Delaware man, who state police say had already stole copper wiring from a power station the night before, was caught early Tuesday when he allegedly returned for more.
Christopher Kemp of Millsboro faces theft, conspiracy, criminal mischief, criminal trespass and related charges after being caught hiding out in the Delmarva Power Storage Yard on 700 E DuPont Boulevard in Millsboro, according to Delaware State Police.
Authorities say Kemp, 32, was inside the power yard with another man when state troopers responded to an alarm around 1:30 a.m. The other suspect got away on foot but Kemp was found behind a large spool of wire, cops said.
When troopers searched Kemp’s vehicle they found a pair of bolt cutters that were stolen from the same power station the night before and they found several rolls of copper wiring believed to be worth around $1,500, police said.
Some of that wire found in the vehicle is believed to have been taken from the power station the night before, according to police.
It wasn’t made clear why Kemp allegedly took the copper but metal thefts have been common recently due to the sagging economy and increasing metal prices.
Kemp was arraigned on the charges and released on $2,050 secured bail.
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Police gave no information on the other suspect except for that he is a white man.
Anyone with information on these thefts should contact Troop 4 at 302-856-5850 extension 211 or Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or send an anonymous text to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword "DSP."
