Copper thieves tracked down by Wal-Mart purchases, police arrest pair after $3K theft

FAIRFAX, Ohio - Two suspects are waking up at the Hamilton County Justice Center Wednesday morning for a pricey copper theft, after they were seen buying bolt cutters just down the street from the crime scene.

John Schnitzler, 19, and Joshua Bessey, 23, both of Cincinnati, are accused of stealing $3,033 worth of copper rolls from a construction trailer Sunday night on Red Bank Road.

Police say the suspects were seen buying flashlights and bolt cutters at a Wal-Mart just down the street from where the theft happened.

The pair was arrested Tuesday night and face charges of theft and possession of criminal tools.