2 men charged in theft of almost 190 lbs of copper wire, fire south of Edmonton: RCMP

Innisfail, Alberta. (Google Earth)

Two men are facing various charges after Mounties found almost 190 lbs of copper wire in the back of a truck in Red Deer county.

On Aug. 28, Innisfail RCMP got reports of a fire near the Highway 54 bridge. It was there officers found two men burning copper wire, a news release Thursday said.

• The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App

Mounties said the men attempted to leave the area in a truck when police first arrived but were found at a traffic stop.

The men were arrested for possession of stolen property. A search of the truck revealed 187 lbs of copper wire, police said. They also found “several” break and enter tools.

Two Red Deer residents, 49 and 29, have been charged with possession of stolen property and unlawful burning of hazardous material.

The 49-year-old man also faces charges of possession of break and entering tools and failure to comply with release conditions.

After separate judicial interim release hearings, the 49-year-old was remanded into custody while the 29-year-old was released. Both are set to appear in court on Sept. 10.