Salt Lake City police arrest man in rash of copper thefts

A man has been arrested by Salt Lake City police in connection with a rash of copper thefts and drug possession.

Investigators believe Joseph Smith, 44, stole $8,000 to $10,000 worth of copper around the valley over the past couple of months. He would then attempt to sell it at scrap metal yards.

Just before noon Tuesday, detectives, acting on a tip, were keeping a watch on Western Recyclers, 4050 W. 700 South. They spotted Smith walking in, Salt Lake City police detective Jeff Bedard said.

Smith was arrested without incident. He was booked into the Salt Lake County Jail for investigation of second-degree felony theft, two counts of burglary, cocaine possession and possession of drug paraphernalia.