A man who was observed walking from a building that is in the final stages of construction on Springplace Road has been charged with the theft of copper wire.

Michael J. Hughes, 27, was walking from an area of the building where deputies later determined entry was made into the building.

Hughes got into a vehicle that was driven by Donna Brock, 49. During a traffic stop Detective Jimmy Smith of the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office found a large piece of copper electrical wire approximately 14 feet long, bolt cutters, and a sledge hammer in the vehicle.

In addition, it is believed the pair had been at the old Waterville Elementary School building where they cut a large piece of copper wire that was on a utility pole on the roof of the vacant building.

After questioning both suspects were taken to the Bradley County jail. Hughes, of Harrison Tennessee, and Brock, of Hillsdale Drive in Cleveland, are charged with Burglary, Possession of Burglary Tools, Theft Under $500 and Theft Over $500.