Police release suspect's name in propane tank thefts

Police on Wednesday identified a 49-year-old man arrested in the thefts of propane tanks in Northeast Philadelphia earlier this month.

Stephan Williams, of the 4500 block of Richmond Street in Bridesburg, was arrested Tuesday and charged with burglary, criminal trespass, and related offenses. Counterterrorism officials had been alarmed by the thefts, but police have since described Williams and a second suspect as collectors of scrap metal. The second man was still being sought.

Investigators found some of the tanks and two suspect vehicles at a lot in the 2600 block of Wheatsheaf Lane. Thieves took 34 propane tanks and welding equipment from three locations.
-Robert Moran