Binghamton police say a man suspected of stealing copper pipe from a West Side residence was clad in wet clothing when officers stopped him.

Investigators say 44-year-old Paul Petrosky of Binghamton has been charged with second-degree burglary.

Authorities say Petrosky, who lives downtown, was stopped Wednesday morning by officers near Main and Chapin streets on the West Side.

They say he was carrying a duffel bag filled with copper pipe sections and things that could have been used as burglar tools.

Police say the bag and Petrosky's clothing were wet. They suspect they were soaked when Petrosky removed copper piping from the basement of a Chapin Street residence.

The building's water was working Tuesday night but it was knocked out the next morning when pieces of pipe were taken.

Investigators say people with information about other possible pipe thefts may contact the Detective Bureau at 607.772.7080.

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