Jackson Police Bust Butler Man Accused of Trying to Steal Scrap Metal

Jackson Township police have charged a Butler man with attempting to steal scrap metal from a local recycling company.

Police Chief Terry Seilhamer said police were dispatched to RBW Technologies on Hartmann Road at about 2 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 23 for reports of a suspicious vehicle in the area.

Once officers arrived on the scene, they saw an unoccupied Honda CR-V with its registration plate covered with duct tape. The vehicle hatch was open and a large metal bar had been loaded into the vehicle, according to Seilhamer.

After a search of the area, Jackson police, assisted by officers from Zelienople, found 27-year-old Justin E. McKivigan hiding near the business, Seilhamer said.

The chief said McKivigan told police he was planning to take scrap metal from the business.

He is charged with theft by unlawful taking, criminal attempt, receiving stolen property, possessing instruments of crime, driving with a suspended license, possessing an altered registration plate and display of registration plate.

McKivigan was taken to Butler County Prison in lieu of bail, Seilhamer said. The Butler resident is awaiting preliminarily arraignment before District Judge Wayne Seibel in Evans City.

The vehicle McKivigan was driving was impounded, Seilhamer said. Police plan to obtain a search warrant for it.