The Lead Off

• Two people were arrested after police say they stole copper and metal from HVAC units on a Muncie mall rooftop.
• Officers report approximately 23 HVAC units were stripped of metal at Southway Plaza Mall.
• The pair faces felony burglary and misdemeanor theft charges.

MUNCIE IND. (WOWO) A man and a woman were arrested in Muncie after police say they stole copper wiring and metal components from HVAC units on the roof of Southway Plaza Mall.

The Muncie Police Department says officers were called Saturday morning to a possible burglary in progress at the mall, located in the 3700 block of South Madison Street.

Officers find suspects on rooftop

According to police, officers arrived at approximately 1 a.m. and used spotlights to search the roof after receiving reports of two individuals on top of the building.

A property manager also told officers they had seen two people on the roof shortly before police arrived.

Police say they later announced their presence and observed a man and woman climbing down a ladder from the rooftop, where they were taken into custody.

The suspects were identified as 49-year-old Chad Hart and 50-year-old Robin Huffman.

Police allege copper theft from HVAC units

Investigators say Hart initially told officers they were on the roof for personal reasons, but later admitted the pair went there to steal scrap metal.

According to police, Hart said he targeted HVAC units for scrap metal and copper wiring and was familiar with the location as a potential theft site.

Police allege the pair removed metal from approximately 23 HVAC units located on the roof of the mall.

Evidence found on rooftop and in bags

Officers say they located multiple bags on the roof containing tools including drills, wrenches, pliers, and an angle grinder.

Police also report that copper wiring had been removed from the HVAC systems and that the units were left stripped of metal components.

The property manager told officers each HVAC unit was valued at approximately $20,000 and confirmed they had not been in that condition previously.

Investigators also discovered a recently cut lock on a gate that provided access to the roof.

Statements from suspects differ

Police say Hart admitted to the burglary and described plans to remove scrap metal and copper wiring.

Huffman reportedly told officers she was unaware of any theft plan. However, police say a vehicle linked to her was found in the parking lot with a tarp covering the rear area, and tools were later discovered among belongings attributed to her.

Arrests and charges filed

The Muncie Police Department arrested both individuals on felony burglary and misdemeanor theft charges.

Authorities say Huffman was transported to a hospital for medical treatment following the arrest. Hart’s bond was set at $15,000.

Next steps

Both suspects are expected to face initial court proceedings as the investigation continues. Police have not announced additional charges or further suspects in the case.