OAKLAND TWP — A suspected scrap metal thief was arrested early this morning soon after he allegedly broke into a Route 38 salvage yard, state police said.

Troopers nabbed Joseph M. Gibson carrying buckets filled with copper wiring and scrap in woods near Bob's Salvage and Auto shortly after 2 a.m.

Police said they had to chase down Gibson, 26, of Butler Township. He was caught with the stolen property valued at about $2,400.

District Judge Lewis Stoughton arraigned him on charges of burglary, theft, criminal mischief and trespass. He was placed in the Butler County Prison on $30,000 bail, following arraignment.

A preliminary hearing is set for 2 p.m. May 3.