Two men have been arrested on attempted burglary and other charges after a Bristol Tennessee Police Department officer observed them trespassing early Friday morning at the former Exide property that has been plagued by several recent thefts of tools and metal.
Eric Vanover, 33, and Jimmy Mullins, 37, both of Bristol, Tenn., have been charged with attempted burglary, possession of burglary tools, and criminal trespass. Vanover also has been charged with possession of drug paraphernalia.
The arrests came about 12:30 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 29, after BTPD Lt. Brad Tate observed the two trespassing on the 364 Exide Drive property despite numerous "No Trespassing" signs and walking toward a point of entry that had been used in a previous burglary.
Upon questioning, the two admitted they planned to enter the building, but denied any intent to commit a burglary. Both were wearing backpacks that contained a battery powered reciprocating saw, angle grinder, extra batteries, hacksaw, lights, and other hand tools often used to remove copper wiring from a building.
Both Vanover and Mullins were transported to the Sullivan County jail for processing.
