Morning Roundup: 3 charged with copper theft; man recognized for saving flag; bear spotted in backyard

Here are a few morning news items from across the region for Wednesday, April 2, 2025:

3 charged with theft

Three men are behind bars after state police said they stole more than $250,000 worth of copper wiring from a Somerset County plant, according to a news release issued this week.

Dallas Eric Miller, 23; Stephen Seraski, 34; and Joseph V. Pollock, 34, all of Central City, are charged with theft and criminal mischief. Seraski and Pollock additionally are charged with drug possession and tampering with evidence.

Police said more than $300,000 worth of damage was reported March 24 at the New Enterprise Stone & Lime Co. plant in Shade Township. Troopers said they spotted tire tracks and smoke coming from a wooded area nearby where Seraski and Pollock were found burning a large amount of industrial grade wiring.

On Monday, state police and the Pennsylvania Game Commission found another pile of copper wiring and arrested Miller.

None of the suspects had an attorney listed in online court records. They were being held at the Somerset County Jail after failing to post bail.

Man recognized

A 22-year-old man was given the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police Recognition of Excellence Award Tuesday after police said he held onto an American flag that had been damaged by high winds at Point State Park.

Lt. Robert Monticelli praised Armonni Coleman’s determination in preventing the flag from touching the ground or blowing away on Dec. 29 at 8 p.m. Coleman continued to hold the flag while police and members of Achieving Goals, Inspiring Change, Motivating Students formulated a plan to free it and get it to a police vehicle.

“If it were not for Coleman’s quick actions, the American flag would have likely hit the ground or eventually completely broke free,” Monticelli said. “His dedication to the flag and display of patriotism are a testament to the American spirit.”

Convenience store gets bonus

A Pittsburgh convenience store will get a $5,000 bonus after selling a scratch-off ticket that came with a $1 million prize.

The winning $10 Jumbo Bucks ticket was sold at the Fueland on Brownsville Road in Carrick, Pennsylvania Lottery officials reported.

Scratch-off tickets are distributed randomly and lottery officials said they learn where winning tickets are sold after a prize has been claimed.

Bear spotted in Bulter backyard

A bear was spotted in a Butler County backyard over the weekend, according to Trib news partner WTAE.

The bear was captured on a resident’s doorbell camera around 4:30 a.m. Saturday.

The Pennsylvania Game Commission said bears are typically found around homes because they are attracted by a food source. Warden Harold Cole advises residents to remove all food sources around their properties as a way to make it safer for their neighbors and wildlife. Common food sources include bird feeders, trash cans and small livestock.