East Chicago Man Charged After Copper Wire Theft At Metal Business
Robert Nicholas Brown, of East Chicago, is charged in Lake County after police say he was involved in a burglary at a local metal business where copper wire and tools were stolen.
According to a probable cause affidavit, the investigation began after the owner of Northwest Metals LLC, located in the 1200 block of East 143rd Street in East Chicago, reported that items were missing from the warehouse. The owner told police that on March 16, 2026, he discovered items had been taken and reviewed surveillance footage from the night before.
Police said the footage showed a tan two-door pickup truck reversing into the warehouse through an east side entrance that was closed but not locked. Two males exited the vehicle and began removing multiple bundles of copper wire from inside the business. One of the individuals was also seen taking a Stanley toolbox before both fled the scene.
The owner told police he recognized the truck from a prior visit and believed one of the suspects was a man he knew as “Robert,” based on his clothing, including gray “Air Max” style shoes, his build, and the way he walked. The owner later contacted the suspect, who initially denied involvement but later apologized and offered to pay for the stolen items, though no reimbursement was made.
Police said approximately 300 pounds of copper wire, valued at about $1,000, along with a Stanley toolbox, were taken during the incident, which occurred outside normal business hours without permission.
During the investigation, officers used database records and conducted a photo lineup, where the business owner positively identified Robert Brown as one of the individuals involved. Police also located a tan Ford pickup truck matching the description seen in surveillance and confirmed it was registered to Brown.
Charges filed March 27,2026:
• Burglary — Level 5 Felony
• Theft (Value Between $750 and $50,000) — Level 6 Felony
