The Griffin Police Department (GPD), at about midnight Wednesday, made two arrests related to copper theft in the city of Griffin.

At the time, GPD Sgt. Joe Hudson noticed a ladder on the roof of the former Wal-Mart building at 643 North Expressway. Hudson and other Uniform Patrol Division officers, as well as members of the GPD Crime Suppression Unit, began searching the location and were assisted by Griffin Fire-Rescue with gaining access to the roof.

According to GPD Investigator Michael Morris, a juvenile was spotted on the roof, as a male adult — later identified as Trawick Moore, 42, of Barnesville — attempted to elude officers by jumping from a lower part of the roof. Moore was apprehended by GPD officer Chardonnay Hurst.

A subsequent investigation revealed that the two were involved in more than 50 commercial air-conditioning thefts that took place in Spalding, Lamar and Upson counties, Morris said.

Further investigation led to the arrest of Jerez Watkins, 22, of Barnesville.

Both suspects are being held in the Spalding County Jail.

Griffin man charged in alleged attempted theft: According to Pike County Sheriff Jimmy Thomas, investigators have made another arrest in his department’s ongoing investigation of individuals involved in the theft of air conditioners.

Joshua Harper, 31, of Griffin, was arrested after being found by an investigator at a vacant residence.

Authorities allege a copper line had already been cut on the air-conditioning unit, as Harper was in the process of stealing it.

Harper quickly left the scene, but was apprehended a short distance from the residence, officials say.

Upon apprehension, bolt cutters and other similar items used to steal air-conditioning units were located in the vehicle Harper was driving.

Investigators are now working to link Harper to any other thefts he may be responsible for, Pike County Sheriff’s Office officials said in a press release.

The suspect was booked into the Pike County Jail on charges of criminal attempt theft by taking, possession of tools for the commission of a crime, criminal trespass and driving on a suspended license.

A bond has not been set in the case against Harper.