2 Men Arrested After Allegedly Selling Stolen Copper Wire

SAUK RAPIDS - Two men have been arrested for allegedly stealing copper wire in Benton County.

The sheriff's department received a call of a theft in progress at a gravel pit on Highway 95 in Sauk Rapids at about 7:30 p.m. on Sunday. Deputies responded, but didn't find anyone there. However, a large amount of copper wire was stolen.

Surveillance images helped deputies identify a vehicle used in the burglary.  On Tuesday the suspect vehicle was spotted at a St. Cloud metal dealer. The same person also sold more copper wire at another St. Cloud metal dealer.

On Thursday deputies used a search warrant at a Sauk Rapids apartment for the person who sold the copper wire. They found copper wire, tools, and other items in the apartment. Arrested were 37-year-old Billy Quirk of Sauk Rapids and 25-year-old Nicholas Dougherty of St. Cloud.

Both are being held in Benton County Jail.