By Steve Beck, Al Novack

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Police say an alleged copper thief was caught in the act early Wednesday morning in Center City.

According to police, the incident began at about 3:30 a.m. with the report of suspicious activity at St. Mark’s Church at 16th and Locust Streets.

When officers arrived, they spotted a man pretending to be asleep on a nearby bench. As officers approached the man, they say he had three of the church’s copper downspouts in his possession.

The suspect was taken into custody and is being questioned by investigators.