Worcester, MA (January 20, 2012) - On Thursday January 19, 2012 at 12:40 PM, Worcester Police responded to 44 Hammond Street after they received a call from the buildings alarm company that there is a person or persons inside the old vacant Chess King building removing copper piping and wire. Multiple police units responded to the scene and secured the perimeter. Responding officers met with the alarm company representative who had arrived at the scene earlier. The alarm representative informed the officers that when he originally arrived at the building he could hear noise coming from inside the building that sounded like they were removing the copper piping.

Officers entered the south side rear door of the building and observed cut up copper pipes in the stairwell landing. This building has had several problems recently regarding trespassers, illegal drug use, graffiti and past thefts of copper and wiring. Police have made arrests in this building as recently as on 01/09/2012.

As officers entered the building they could hear noise coming from the first floor. Officers entered the first floor and observed one male pulling wire from electrical pipes on the ceiling. Officers were able to approach this male from behind without his knowledge. As the officer got closer to the suspect he could see that he had a knife in his hand which he used to cut the wire. The officers announced their presence and ordered the suspect to the ground. The suspect complied and he was taken into custody.

The suspect, identified as Daniel Best, 53 years old of 21 Oread Street, was charged with Trespassing, Breaking and Entering in the Daytime with the Intent to Commit a Felony and Larceny in a Building. Mr. Best was transported back to police headquarters and processed without incident.

The alarm company representative remained on the scene and was making arrangements to better secure the vacant building.

Mr. Best was arraigned at the Worcester County District Courthouse today.

There will be no new additional information released at this time.