Tiverton Men Allegedly Steal Scrap Metal, Take Torch to Old School Bus

arrested two local men on felony larceny charges last week after they reportedly stole and destroyed several thousand dollars worth of metal, including cutting an abandoned school bus in half with an acetylene torch.

Stephen E. Hudson, 44, of 115 Fairfield Ave., Tiverton, and Scott M. Robello, 49, of 73 Fairfield Ave., Tiverton, were arrested at 1:06 p.m. and 1:21 p.m., respectively, on Tuesday, Feb. 28, at 50 Bears Den Road. Both were charged with larceny over $500, a felony, vandalism and willful trespass.

Lt. Patrick Jones said officers responded to the rear of the address for a report of two suspicious men who were allegedly scraping or stealing materials to be used as scrap. Jones said the officer arrived and spoke with the property owner, who identified Hudson and Robello.

Through the investigation, Jones said the officer learned the two men allegedly stole and destroyed several thousand dollars worth of metal and other materials on the site, including a snow plow, two wood stoves, a radiator from an antique dump truck and a truck frame to a Ford pick-up.

Jones added police learned there was a school bus on site being used as storage. It was vandalized.

"And to the effect to use an acetylene torch to remove the seats so the metal within could be used as scrap," he said. The school bus was reportedly cut in half.