Caught Copper-Handed: Men Spotted in Building During Copper Theft, Police Say

Officers spotted men coming out of a Hazelwood apartment building while attempting to steal copper pipe from facility, police said. The building in the 500 block of Village Square Drive is being rehabbed.

The following three men each were charged Thursday with second-degree burglary: Joseph M. Kirkwood, 28, of the 10300 block of Yarwood Court in Dellwood; Raynell Jones, 26, of the 6300 block of Abbott Drive in Berkeley; and David Reynolds, 29, of the 2800 block of Goodfellow Boulevard in St. Louis.

Hazelwood Police said the three men went into the apartment building, owned by Buccaneer Property, at about 9:20 a.m. Wednesday as it was being rehabbed and cut copper piping. Police said they planned to steal the piping and sell it for scrap.

Police said Jones was found inside the building and Reynolds and Kirkwood were caught coming out of the building.

All three men are being held in the St. Louis County Justice Center. Bail was set at $15,000 for Reynolds and Kirkwood. Bail was set at $20,000 for Jones.