2 Arrested In Scrap Metal Thefts At Water Plant

When authorities were alerted to a possible theft in progress at the East Montana Water System plant, they found a man inside the fence, another outside the fence and several pipes in the back of a pickup, deputies said.

El Paso County sheriff’s deputies were flagged down about 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at the plant on 14171 Greg Drive, where a witness said they saw two men throwing what appeared to be heavy scrap metal iron from within the property over a chain-link fence.

Deputies noted that the plant is surrounded by a chain-link fence with two metal locks, as well as signs with a number to call in case of an emergency.

When deputies arrived, they said they saw two male suspects, one inside of the property and one outside of the property, standing next to a black Dodge pickup with several metal pipes in the back. Deputies also said they saw shoeprints that matched both men’s sneakers.

Ivan Santos, 27, and Josue Chavez, 17, were arrested on suspicion of theft over $500 and under $1,500. They were booked into the El Paso County Jail Annex with a bond set at $750 each.

The estimated value of the property was reported to be approximately $550.