SUSPECTS IN STATE HOSPITAL COPPER THEFT CHARGED

(CATONSVILLE, MD) -- Maryland State Police have charged the two suspects who were arrested yesterday afternoon while attempting to steal copper pipe from a closed state hospital building in Baltimore County.

The suspects are identified as Matthew R. Blizzard, 29, of the unit block of Wade Ave., Catonsville, Md., and Dennis W. Dyer, 43, of the 8100-block of Mild Haven Rd., Dundalk, Md. Both suspects are charged with second degree burglary, fourth degree burglary, theft under $1,000, three counts each of theft scheme, and two counts each of malicious destruction of property. Both suspects were taken before a court commissioner last night and held on bond.

Blizzard was arrested early yesterday afternoon when he was found by Spring Grove Police Department officers who were checking the Hamilton building after a report of two suspicious men carrying saws and crowbars was received. Dyer escaped into the attic and stayed there until he surrendered just prior to Maryland State Police entering the building at about 6:40 p.m. yesterday.

Police recovered more than 130 pounds of copper pipe that had been collected by the suspects before they were found. Sold as scrap, the pipe would be worth about $400.

The investigation is continuing.