Staff writer

kwarco@observer-reporter.com

A father and son were arrested Thursday afternoon after Monongahela police said they were caught stealing from a coal preparation plant in New Eagle.

Arrested were Nicholas Paul Uhren, 56, of Duquesne, and his son, Nicholas Kyle Uhren, 24, of West Mifflin.

A security guard called police about 1:30 p.m. to report that someone was inside the plant at 400 Main St. stealing property. The guard told police that he could hear someone using tools and walking on the catwalk.

Police said the pair ran from an officer who walked on the catwalk up an incline. They ran in the direction of the river, and police lost sight of them. The officer then reportedly saw Nicholas Kyle Uhren running toward the catwalk in the direction of Main Street. Police ordered him to stop, but instead he jumped over the railing and ran in the direction of Tasty Twist. He went through the fence into the parking lot.

Police said they then saw Nicholas Paul Uhren coming from under the catwalk. He was placed under arrest.

His son was taken into custody by police on First Street, about five blocks from the plant.

"This is our first encounter with them," said Monongahela police Chief Brian Tempest. "But their names are mentioned from West Mifflin police on a police-only Web site dealing with thefts of things such as copper and catalytic converters."

The two had allegedly stolen about 20 feet of wire and were in the process of taking more when they were spotted. Police said they had a hacksaw, come-along winch, chokers and a backpack with them.

The owner of Maple Creek Mining, Robert E. Murray, told police that he may be restarting work at the facility. He has guards posted at the plant around the clock. Tempest said this is the sixth arrest of thieves trying to steal from the plant.

"For every 20 feet of wire stolen, it can cause about $5,000 damage," Tempest said.

The Uhrens were arraigned before District Judge Jay Weller on charges of theft, attempted theft, criminal conspiracy, criminal mischief and defiant trespass. They were placed in Washington County Jail on $2,000 bond.

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