Employees of a business near a metal theft victim are being credited for giving vital information that led to the alleged suspect’s arrest Friday.

Detective H.L. Williams of the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office arrested 52-year-old Weldon resident Charles Nelson Pender for felony larceny, felony possession of stolen goods and obtaining property by false pretense.

Williams charged the man following an investigation into stolen scrap metal in the Zoo Road area of Roanoke Rapids.

Employees of Gaston Saw Service in Roanoke Rapids aided the investigation by identifying Pender’s vehicle, Williams said. “The Halifax County Sheriff’s Office would like to extend a great deal of thanks to the owner of Gaston Saw Service and its employees for aiding in the identification of the suspect; which ultimately led to the suspect’s arrest.”

Pender was jailed on $10,000 bond and has a June 6 court date.