Man Stole Copper Downspouts From Five Lafayette Buildings, Police Say

A homeless man stole copper downspouts from no less than five buildings on Lafayette College’s campus, according to court papers filed by campus police.

Bryan Joseph Fitzpatrick, 24, admitted to stealing copper from several campus buildings, including Hogg Hall and Gates Hall, according to an arrest affidavit.

Fitzpatrick collected a little more than $76 from the Easton Iron and Metal Co. Inc., which bought 27 pounds of copper and 100 pounds of iron in two separate visits to the business on Thursday and Tuesday, Lafayette College police said.

Easton Iron cooperated in the theft investigation, identifying Fitzpatrick as the man who sold copper to them on Thursday. When Fitzpatrick returned on Tuesday morning with more, a business employee called campus police.

It was unclear from the affidavit whether all of the metal sold was stolen or stolen from Lafayette College. However, employees who work in college plant operations identified copper and cast iron grates that had been sold to Easton Iron as the property of the school, the affidavit said.

Van Wickle Hall, McKeen Hall and South College Hall had also had copper downspouts stolen, campus police said.

Fitzpatrick was charged with two counts each of theft and receiving stolen property. 

Easton police, who assisted with the investigation, also charged Fitzpatrick with possession of drug paraphernalia.

He was arraigned Tuesday evening before on-duty District Judge Joseph Barner of Lower Nazareth Township and committed to Northampton County Prison in lieu of $5,000 bail.