Two charged in scrap metal theft
MASONTOWN – Police said they caught two Uniontown men stealing several tons of scrap metal from a location in Masontown on Friday. Masontown police Chief Joseph C. Ryan said Fred Joseph Woods Jr., 30, and Jason S. Hice, 27, were each charged before Magisterial District Judge Dwight K. Shaner with theft, receiving stolen property and criminal conspiracy to commit theft. Woods also faces multiple traffic-related charges. According to Ryan, police were called to property owned by Norfolk Southern Railroad off Madison Avenue around 10:40 a.m. for a reported theft of scrap metal. Ryan said the caller reported seeing two men loading a black and white pickup truck with railroad metal.
While driving to the location, Ryan said he spotted the pickup truck headed from the scene. A brief chase ensued before Ryan was able to get the pickup truck stopped on Route 21.
Ryan said he discovered several tons of railroad spikes and anchors in the bed of the pickup.
Ryan said that while the men deny committing any additional thefts in Masontown, he said the pickup truck was identified in other scrap metal thefts in the area in recent weeks.
“We have seen an increase in scrap metal thefts in town, and Norfolk Southern has also reported an increase in thefts,” Ryan said.
He reminded area residents to call police to report any suspicious activity.