Philadelphia

Man Faces Charges in Northeast Philadelphia Propane Tank Thefts

Police on Wednesday said charges have been filed against one man in connection with the thefts of several dozen industrial propane tanks from two locations in Northeast Philadelphia.

Police said on Tuesday that their investigation led them to a lot on the 2600 block of Wheatsheaf Lane, where they found two vehicles as well as several tanks.

On Wednesday, police said that 49-year-old Stephan Williams, of the 4500 block of Richmond Street, has been arrested in connection with the thefts. Williams is charged with burglary, criminal trespass, conspiracy, criminal mischief and related offenses, police said.

Police earlier this week said they have identified a second suspect in the thefts but were awaiting a search warrant. There was no word Wednesday on that suspect's identity.

The theft of the tanks, which happened earlier this month, sparked a counter-terrorism probe.

Police said 43 tanks were stolen December 16 and December 17 from Praxair at 2300 Church Street in Frankford and James Morrissey Inc. at 4720 Pennypack Street in the Holmesburg section of the city.

The surveillance video of the theft shows a man loading tanks of various sizes into a dark-colored minivan.

Twenty-four of the tanks are said to be the size and style used to fuel forklifts, sources said. Also taken were nine tanks that hold 100 pounds of fuel, four 50-pound tanks, four 33-pound tanks and two two-pound tanks, according to law-enforcement sources.

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