3 arrested in 2 separate Dayton scrap metal thefts

Police made arrests today in two separate alleged scrap metal theft incidents.

Joe Douglas, Jr., 47, faces a possible breaking and entering charge after being detained at approximately 12:39 p.m. at a vacant home on South Plaza Avenue, according to the Dayton arrest report.

Police said a neighbor caught the suspect coming out of the home carrying a large black duffle bag.

Douglas remained on scene as police investigated and found the duffle bag, which contained hedge clippers and electrical wires, according to the report.

Police said the clippers were used to gain entry to the home and to remove the wiring.

Douglas was being held Wednesday night on a breaking and entering charge in the Montgomery County Jail.

About two hours earlier, Dayton officers responded to Franklin Iron and Metal, 2015 E. First St., on a report that someone was trying to sell two city water meters.

Three people were arrested on suspicion of receiving stolen property: Zachary D. Cox, 34; Gregory Eugene Crase, 42; and Angela Michelle Martin, 26, according to Dayton police records.

Police said Cox ran from the business before officers arrived. He was tracked down a short time later at East Third and Springfield streets, according to the report.

City water officials informed police that the meters had been illegally removed from homes in the 1100 block of West Riverview Avenue, according to the report.

Cox was being held Wednesday night on a probation violation in the Montgomery County Jail.

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