Stolen copper wire stamped with ‘Avista’

POST FALLS — Two Washington men were arrested in North Idaho last week after allegedly trying to sell more than 600 pounds of copper wire stamped with the name of a regional power company. The recycler in Post Falls called police on Oct. 3 after noticing the wire was unusually clean and stamped “Avista.” Police arrested 28-year-old Jason W. Wing of Cheney and 22-year-old William R. Fossell of Colbert. Both are charged with felony possession of stolen property. Fossell also was wanted on a fugitive warrant. An investigation found two Spokane contractors had recently reported the theft of several rolls of copper wire belonging to Avista, along with numerous tools. One of the victims of the theft identified the wire and some tools Wing and Fossell had in their van.