A McLeansboro man is currently held in White County Jail after Carmi Police arrested him for allegedly stealing copper wire. The incident occurred shortly after 6 a.m. Tuesday when officers responded to reports of a suspicious person near the intersection of Staley and Hay streets.
Officers located 63-year-old Gerald Ford, who fled the scene upon discovery. Ford was later taken into custody after police found him stealing copper belonging to Brent Edwards of rural Carmi. He is now facing charges of Theft over $500 and Resisting a Peace Officer/Obstructing Justice. Ford remains in custody as he awaits a court hearing in White County.
Gerald Ford has a prior criminal history, including years spent in prison in the early 2000s after being convicted on three counts of Burglary in White County. He was also arrested earlier in April and faces additional charges of Possession of Meth, Unlawful Possession of Cannabis by a Driver, and Theft, following an incident on April 10th.
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