Coal mine security chase copper thieves
Kanawha County WV March 16 2019
Deputies in Kanawha County say a man wanted on charges related to the theft of copper at coal mine in Fayette County has turned himself in.
Henry Lee Chapman, 57, of Cannelton, WV turned himself in Thursday at the Kanawha County Courthouse.
Chapman along with Larry Edward Patton, Jr., 47, of Gallagher, WV are accused of stealing copper components from an electrical transformer on March 3 at Contura Energy’s Mammoth Coal Co. mine in Cannelton.
Deputies arrested one man and continue to search for another accused of stealing and damaging components from an electrical transformer.
According to Sgt. B. D. Humphreys with the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, the crime occurred on March 3 at Contura Energy’s Mammoth Coal Company mine in Cannelton, WV. Security guards were able to follow two suspects as they fled the area on an ATV. Deputies later found the ATV parked on a street in Cannelton.
“The total loss in stolen equipment, damaged equipment, and time lost during the electrical outage was more than $268,000.00,” said Sgt. Humphreys.
Larry Edward Patton, Jr., 47, of Gallagher, WV was arrested Tuesday. He was charged with grand larceny and destruction of property.
The whereabouts of Henry Lee Chapman, 57, of Cannelton, WV (Fayette County) are unknown. He had previously agreed to turn himself in, but didn’t do so.
If you have a tip to Chapman’s location, call 304-357-0169. or email to tips@kanawhasheriff.us.
WVVA
