Tulsa Deputies Arrested Two Men for Copper Theft
Suspects were caught with stolen copper pipes and tools near a local youth facility.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Property Crime
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Tulsa County deputies arrested 41-year-old Christopher Ketcher and 47-year-old Donald Pelham on Saturday morning. The two men were apprehended near the Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club while in possession of stolen copper pipes and burglary tools.
Why it matters
The arrest follows the discovery that copper pipes had been intentionally cut and removed from the facility, potentially disrupting essential services. This incident highlights ongoing efforts by local law enforcement to curb the theft of valuable building materials in the Tulsa area.
Christopher Ketcher and Donald Pelham face charges of second-degree burglary, stealing copper, and possession of burglary tools. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities process evidence recovered from the scene.
The players
Christopher Ketcher
The 41-year-old suspect was arrested by deputies in connection with the burglary.
Donald Pelham
The 47-year-old suspect was apprehended alongside Ketcher for the theft of copper materials.
Tulsa County Sheriff's Office
The local agency responsible for investigating property crimes and conducting the arrests in this case.
The details
Deputies spotted the suspects pulling a wagon filled with copper pipes near the building on North Harvard Avenue. A subsequent search of the site confirmed that the pipes were cut and extracted directly from the interior of the Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club.
Timeline
September 19, 2026: Arrest of Christopher Ketcher and Donald Pelham.
Legal Context
This case reflects broader regional challenges regarding the theft of construction materials for scrap metal. Local law enforcement agencies often prioritize these investigations to mitigate the significant repair costs incurred by community organizations.
The theft forced authorities to investigate potential security lapses at the local facility to prevent future disruptions. Residents should remain vigilant and report suspicious activity or unauthorized personnel seen near community buildings in their neighborhoods.
The takeaway
Copper theft creates significant financial and operational burdens for community non-profits. Organizations are encouraged to review their security measures and lighting to deter potential intruders from targeting valuable building components.
Further reading
For more information on similar local incidents, visit the Tulsa Property Crime section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by News On 6.
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