Forklift operators in Houston foil possible theft

HOUSTON (AP) — Workers at a Houston supply store have been credited with using forklifts to foil a suspected copper thief.

Houston police are investigating whether a man detained at Morrison Supply Company could be part of a copper theft ring.

KHOU-TV reported Tuesday that formal charges are pending against the man whose vehicle was blocked-in Monday by forklifts.

Investigators say the man over the weekend also pretended to be picking up copper for another company and fled with the metal that's coveted by thieves. Surveillance video shows the man at the store counter.

Company assistant manager Darrell Jarvis says the second time he had forklifts pull in front of the suspect's vehicle, pretending to get ready to load the copper.

Jarvis says workers instead blocked the vehicle as police were called.

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