Suspected Copper Thief Arraigned

A 38-year-old Detroit man who was arraigned Monday for allegedly stealing copper from a home in the 21800 block of Lange.

Willie Bryant was arrested early Saturday morning after a neighbor heard noise in the basement of the HUD-owned home. Officers arrived and located him inside the house.

"The defendant came out willingly," said Detective Margaret Eidt during the arraignment. She added that when he was in custody, officers found a bolt cutter and various other tools along with copper.

Bryant was charged with home invasion and possession of burglary tools. He is being held in the Macomb County Jail on $7,500 bond, or 10 percent. He will return to court on June 24.

The arrest comes after a number of copper thefts from homes and businesses in the Shores.

Police received reports of stolen copper in recent weeks from a home in the 21600 block of O'Connor; a business in the 23900 and 22000 block of Greater Mack.

Shores Detective Sgt. David Centala recommends residents watch vacant homes in their neighborhood and call police if they notice any strange activity by work crews or individuals.