An officer with the LaPorte Police Department interrupted a theft in progress at LaPorte Blower early Wednesday morning after observing a white van near the scrap metal dumpsters and stopping to investigate. Joshua Bochik, 30, of Michigan City, reportedly told the officer he and a friend were removing scrap metal from the dumpsters because they needed the money. He claimed he didn’t realize the scrap belonged to New York Blower and told the officer he would put it all back. While the officer was talking to Bochik, George Byroad, 30, of Kouts, reportedly emerged from the second dumpster. Both were arrested on felony theft charges. The officer noted on the incident report that there was so much scrap metal in the back of the van that it was starting to bow in the middle from the weight.