CRIME Man arraigned on charges of theft, criminal trespass

The man also is wanted on charges in Butler County.
NEW WILMINGTON, Pa. -- A hearing is set for July 26 in Lawrence County Central Court for Thomas James Martin Jr., 39, who is charged with attempting to steal nearly 2 tons of stainless steel from a Wilmington Township business.
The New Wilmington Police Department says Martin is charged with theft, receiving stolen property and criminal trespass.
He is in Lawrence County jail after his arraignment before District Justice Melissa A. Amodie in New Castle.
New Wilmington and Neshannock police arrested Martin, who listed no permanent address, after he was accused of trying to steal 3,668 pounds of stainless steel from Ellwood Specialty Steel, Honeybee Lane.
Forest chase
At about 2:45 a.m. Saturday, patrols responded to reports of a suspicious person and truck at the business.
When officers arrived, a 1955 Chevy pickup truck was in a loading area where scrap steel products are stored. While police searched the area, a shirtless man fled into the woods adjacent to the facility.
New Wilmington Police Chief Carmen Piccirillo pursued the man until he hid in the heavy brush. Ohio and Pennsylvania State Police units arrived to assist. The suspect later was found hiding behind a tree by Neshannock Police Chief Phil Carlo and arrested.
The truck was loaded with about 3,668 pounds of scrap blocks of stainless steel ingots. Their value has not yet been determined.
Further investigation determined Martin is wanted on an outstanding warrant from Butler County on state police charges of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, resisting arrest and other traffic violations. He failed to appear for a hearing June 23, resulting in the arrest warrant.
Martin has a $10,000 bail on the theft, receiving stolen property and criminal trespass charges and $10,000 bail on the Butler County charges.