Oilfield Pipe Theft Suspects Arrested

KILGORE — Two East Texas men are behind bars after police say they were cutting up stolen oilfield pipes in a wooded area along Fritz Swanson Road. According to police, on Sunday, while on patrol, Kilgore Police Officer Josh Sims found two men on an oil lease road off of Fritz Swanson Road cutting up numerous oil field pipes in an area at the end of the lease road. According to KETK, police say initial investigation revealed the pipe was stolen from a local business. The two suspects are identified as John Phillip Elder (pictured), 45, and Jason Dean Henson, 44, both of Kilgore. The men were arrested for theft. Authorities also allege Henson was found in possession of a pistol; he was charged with unlawful carrying of a weapon.