Police say a former tenant was arrested after he was found in the basement of a South Attleboro house, allegedly attempting to steal copper pipes.
The suspect, Michael R. Lamar, 36, of 5 Second St., Attleboro, pleaded innocent to related charges today in Attleboro District Court.
He was arrested around 1:30 p.m. Wednesday in the basement of 85 Laurier Ave., after police were dispatched for a break-in in progress.
Lamar, who moved out of the house about two weeks ago, denied any wrongdoing and told police and witnesses that he was just in the house to get some of his belongings, according to court records.
Police said water was leaking from pipes that had been cut.
Police were called by the new buyers of the house and a real estate agent, who told police they found Lamar in the basement.
Involved in the investigation and arrest were officers Jermaine Patterson, Leo Fontaine and Rafael Ruano.
Lamar faces charges of breaking and entering, larceny, possession of burglar’s tools and defacing property.
