Two Charged in Theft of Copper Pipes from Abandoned Building

Two Allentown men have been charged with stealing copper pipes and brass fittings from the basement of an abandoned building at 4536 Route 309 in North Whitehall on Sept. 15, state police at Bethlehem said.

Lino Perez Jr., 22, and Leroy Firestone Jr., 39, are each charged with criminal trespass, theft, and two counts of criminal conspiracy, according to police and online court records. Perez is also charged with receiving stolen property.

Police said Firestone dropped off Perez, who entered the abandoned building by breaking the glass to the rear door. They said Perez was apprehended after a brief foot chase, while Firestone fled in the vehicle prior to troopers arriving there.

Perez is in Lehigh County prison under $20,000 bail, they said.