2 scrap metal theft suspects charged

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) - Police have charged two men with grand larceny, but one of those suspects remains at large.

A Virginia Beach Police spokesperson says police were called to a burglary in progress in the 600 block of South Westgrove Road around 11:45 a.m. Wednesday.

Police say the residence was under renovations and metal was covered in the backyard, but two suspects took the metal and loaded it into their vehicle. Workers at the residence told police they confronted the two men and one of the suspects left the area, while another one remained on site when the police arrived.

Ralph O. Patterson, Jr., 44, of the 200 block of North Palmyra Drive in Virginia Beach, was charged with Grand Larceny and released on bond.

Police are still searching for the second suspect. Joseph Force, 21, of the 8600 block of Glen Myrtle Avenue in Norfolk is wanted and charged with Grand Larceny.

Anyone with information on Force's whereabouts is asked to call the Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP.