A Yell County man accused of repeatedly stealing metal from a Pottsville welding school was arrested early Wednesday morning after police waited at the property and allegedly caught him loading more metal into his vehicle.
Brian Eugene Myers, 56, was arrested around 3:30 a.m. Oct. 28 at United Welding Institute on Mountain Base Road, where school officials believe the suspect had returned to steal metal as many as 11 or 12 times.
Coffman said the school first noticed stainless steel disappearing. After reviewing surveillance footage, he discovered repeated visits by the suspect to the property. He said the footage also showed the suspect attempting to open doors and walking around the school’s welding trucks.
He eventually tracked the stolen material to a scrap yard where Myers was selling it.
The school contacted the Pottsville Police Department on Monday to report the thefts.
“They jumped right on it,” Coffman said.
According to Pottsville Police Chief John Pritchard, investigators determined the thefts were occurring during the early morning hours.
Around 3:30 a.m. Wednesday, officers waited at the school to see whether the suspect would return. Police say Myers arrived and began loading additional metal into his vehicle.
Myers allegedly attempted to flee when officers moved in, but police blocked his escape. He was taken into custody without further incident.
The arrest came just two days after the school contacted police.
Coffman said the thefts were particularly frustrating because the metal was used in the school’s training programs. Unlike scrap being discarded, the material could be used repeatedly by students learning to weld.
“He was really taking away from the students,” Coffman said.
United Welding Institute is a privately operated trade school that provides hands-on training for students pursuing careers in welding. The school offers instruction in structural and pipe welding, with training designed to prepare students for industry certifications and employment in the welding trade.
The school also hosts welding competitions for high school students, offering scholarships and opportunities to explore careers in the industry.
Myers was booked into the Pope County Detention Center Wednesday morning on two felony charges: theft of property valued between $5,000 and $25,000 and theft of scrap metal valued at more than $5,000.
He also faces charges of criminal trespass and fleeing.
