TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — A Terre Haute man has been arrested after police said they found him along with freshly cut copper pipes and tools in the Boys and Girls Club.
According to Terre Haute Police, the incident occurred on Sunday, March 19 at 8:31 p.m. when officers responded to a burglary alarm at the Boys and Girls Club building located at 924 N 13th Street.
Police said they announced their presence multiple times but did not hear a response. It wasn’t until officers began clearing the building room by room that a man was found hiding from police and was placed under arrest.
Michael R. Bousman, 39, of Terre Haute was reportedly found in the same room as multiple freshly cut pieces of copper pipe and burglary tools. Bousman was taken to the Vigo County Jail on a preliminary charge of burglary.
“Due to the high salvage price for copper its theft is a nationwide issue. Copper thieves typically locate empty businesses or vacant residences, so they can work undisturbed for hours removing copper pipes and wire,” Police said. “The thieves then leave behind thousands of dollars of damage for the property owners.”
