Reward offered in copper theft investigation

WEIRTON - The Hancock County Sheriff's Office is conducting an investigation into the theft of about 50,000 pounds of copper from ArcelorMittal.

Detective Art Watson said it appeared as though the person or persons responsible for the theft stole a truck from another part of the facility, drove it to the site of the copper, and used a forklift from a private contractor to load the copper into the truck.

The copper came from the open hearth area of the facility, which is being torn down for salvage.

The No. 9 fence, which leads to the open hearth area, was found open and unsecured, also having sustained damage. The truck that appears to have been used to move the copper was found the following day in Hanover Township, Pa.

The theft occurred on the night of June 14 and was looked into by the FBI, who contacted the sheriff's department.

A $5,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons involved. Anyone with information is asked to contact Watson or Hancock County Sheriff Mike White at 304-387-4100.