Fayetteville Man Arrested In Copper Theft From Former City Hospital

Noah Franklin
Noah Franklin

FAYETTEVILLE -- A 21-year-old man was arrested Wednesday in connection with stealing copper tubing out of the former City Hospital building and selling it for scrap at least 10 times in the last few months.

Noah David Franklin, of 617 S. Government Way Apt. C faces commercial burglary and theft of property charges after his arrest at his home. He was being held Wednesday in the Washington County Detention Center. No bond had been set.

Franklin told police he was in the building at least 10 times to steal copper and sell it for scrap, according to an arrest report.

Police confirmed Franklin was selling the copper at Vaughn Recycling Center at 1246 S. School Ave., taking in as much as 100 pounds on one occasion, according to the report. An employee at Vaughn said Wednesday the center pays between $2.30 and $2.45 per pound, depending on the grade of copper. The amount fluctuates and may have not been the same on days the copper from the hospital was taken.

The building is under the control of Washington Regional Medical Center and may be sold to the Fayetteville Public Library. The building has been vacant since the hospital closed in 2011.

Washington Regional security told police access to the building was gained through a broken window Sept. 15 and a receipt made out to Franklin from Vaughn Recycling was found outside one of the entrances, according to the report.

Franklin tried to sell copper Sept. 15 and again a day later but when store officials contacted police, he left before receiving payment, according to the report.

NW News on 09/25/2014

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