Four men are in custody at the Allegheny County Jail after being apprehended while attempting to steal copper piping.
When police discovered them, they were attempting to steal over 2,000 pounds of copper piping from the old VA hospital.
Police discovered the men inside the facility off Highland Drive, along with all of the copper, packaged and ready for transport to the scrap yard. They also discovered a chamber containing a portable generator.
The men reportedly used it to recharge the electric equipment that removed copper from the building.
The suspects have been identified as Brandon Balzer, Matthew Wiggins, Matthew Cain, and Robert Felton.
They are now facing many counts, including vandalism and burglary.
Police estimate that the copper they were attempting to steal was worth approximately $7,000.
