Dec 2, 2015 2 min read

Two South Strabane Township men were arrested Wednesday morning by township police after they allegedly broke into a house next to one of their residences.

Paul Alan Pivirotto, 28, of 53 Lyman Ave., and Dennis Wayne Devenney Jr., 37, of 437 Vance Station Road, are accused of breaking into a house at 91 Lyman about 8:45 a.m.

Police were called for a report of a burglary in progress at the house owned by James Gregg Jr. Police were told that one of the suspects fled in a maroon van, while the second fled on foot. While driving to the location, Officer Stephen McWreath spotted the van going west on Lakeview Drive. The officer stopped the vehicle and identified Devenney as the driver.

When Devenney was asked where he was coming from, he reportedly told McWreath, “You got me.” Devenney was given his Miranda warning and allegedly told McWreath that he was at the house next to “Pivi’s” and was helping Pivirotto steal copper from the house.

Devenney later confessed to breaking into the house and cutting numerous copper pipes and wires to sell for scrap, police stated in court documents. He also reportedly identified Pivirotto as the man seen running from the house. Pivirotto was arrested at his home.

Pivirotto and Devenney were arraigned Wednesday afternoon before District Judge Jay Weller on charges of burglary, conspiracy, criminal trespass, theft and criminal mischief.

Devenney also is charged with driving on a suspended license. The two were placed in Washington County Jail on $50,000 bonds. They are scheduled for a preliminary hearing before Weller on Dec. 15.