Suspected copper thieves arrested

Hickman says the three were arrested on a tip they were headed to a scrap metal dealer.

Authorities also seized 140 pounds of copper and heavy wire cutters.

Hickman says the stolen copper was worth about $1,000 but the estimated property damage is many times that.

Chad Parker, 25, and Tommy Fugate, 22, have been charged with reckless endangerment, vandalism and criminal trespassing.

Kelly Whitted, 30, is charged with being an accessory after the fact.