Police Thwart Copper Theft in Progress in Gilboa

Additional arrests are anticipated after State Police discovered and stopped a burglary in progress on Potter Moutain Rd. in Gilboa last Friday.

Troopers have already arrested William Person, 41 of Northville, and Wendy Ryan, 52 of Middleburgh, on burglary charges after they allegedly removed copper pipes from a residence and destroyed the heating system.

State police in Cobleskill discovered a burglary in progress at about 2:00 am Friday, March 1. As troopers approached, the two subjects attempted to drive away.

When the troopers stopped the vehicle, they observed a large tool box in the rear seat and footprints in the snow leading to a Potter Mountain Rd. residence. State police arrested Person and Ryan for burglary in the second degree and criminal mischief in the second degree, both felonies.

Person and Ryan had entered the residence and allegedly removed a flat screen TV, DVD player, and tool box, and then entered a crawl space and removed the copper pipes.

Troopers then executed a search warrant on Ryan’s car and discovered the copper in the trunk. A sign on the door of the vehicle advertised, “Free Salvage Removal”.

Person was sent to the Schoharie County jail in lieu of $5,000 cash and $10,000 bond. Ryan was released on her own recognizance.