Police catch suspect allegedly trying to steal copper

A suspect was arrested after a police officer caught him trying to steal copper wiring from a vacant gas station on Tuesday.

An off-duty officer saw William J. Fahy at a vacant gas station near McKellips Road and Mesa Drive.

The gas station was fenced off but the officer saw part of the fence was pulled open and said Fahy was allegedly cutting wire from an electrical meter box.

Mesa police arrived and said Fahy tried to hide behind a pillar and tried to get away on his bike.

A Scottsdale police officer on his way to work saw the pursuit and blocked the suspect.

The suspect allegedly tried to take copper from multiple areas of the gas station and officers found pliers, wire cutters and thick gloves near rolled up electrical wire.

Officers arrested Fahy and he faces charges of burglary and possession of burglary tools.