Men caught stealing scrap metal

Two men were caught in the act Wednesday night as they attempted to steal a counter weight from an inoperable oil pump.

Tulare County SheriffÂ’s Department deputies arrived as Mark Walker, 28, and David Mabalot, 29, were trying to remove the large metal counter weight from an oil pumping station in the 10500 block of Road 236.

The two were also allegedly removing scrap metal that was to be loaded into a waiting vehicle.

Walker and Mabalot were arrested, taken to the Porterville substation, and booked on suspicion of attempted grand theft, conspiracy and being under the influence of a controlled substance.