Men charged with metal theft

EPHRATA - Two Moses Lake men are accused of trying to steal a

piece of an asphalt paving roller and irrigation equipment.

David A. Thornton, 53, Moses Lake, and Johnny F. Philp, 46, Moses

Lake, are each charged with attempted theft in the first degree and

criminal trespassing in the second degree in Grant County Superior

Court.

EPHRATA - Two Moses Lake men are accused of trying to steal a piece of an asphalt paving roller and irrigation equipment.

David A. Thornton, 53, Moses Lake, and Johnny F. Philp, 46, Moses Lake, are each charged with attempted theft in the first degree and criminal trespassing in the second degree in Grant County Superior Court.

The victim estimated two complete unused irrigation circle sections were stolen from his property, according to a Grant County sheriff's report. The victim used the scrap metal to create corrals for his bucking stock.

The farmer reportedly discovered Thornton and Philp two days later on a remote section of his property, using an oxyacetylene torch to cut apart the paving roller, according to the police report. He held the men at gunpoint, using a rifle, while he contacted an off-duty sheriff's deputy.

Thornton reportedly admitted to attempting to steal part of the roller, and the irrigation sections, according to the police report.

Philp initially denied the theft, reportedly telling police he had permission. He later told police Thornton told him the land owner had given them permission.