Groton — A former Groton Utilities worker and his accomplice were arrested Saturday morning for allegedly attempting to steal scrap copper and stainless steel from the utility company’s yard.

Former employee James C. Murphy, 37, of 14 Hillcrest Ave., Ledyard, was charged with third-degree burglary, first-degree criminal trespass and criminal attempt to commit sixth-degree larceny.

Christopher Watrous, 30, of Pomfret Center, was charged with first-degree criminal trespass and criminal attempt to commit sixth-degree larceny.

Groton City police said that at about 10:45 a.m. an employee at Groton Utilities had interrupted Murphy and Watrous who were attempting to steal copper and scrap metal.

Murphy remained in the yard until police arrived, but Watrous fled the scene.

Groton Town police and state police used dogs to attempt to locate Watrous, but were unable to find him. About two hours later, town police found him in the area of Buddington Road.

Watrous was released on a $50,000 bond and is scheduled to be arraigned on April 19.

Groton City police said Murphy, who is already facing larceny charges in an unrelated incident, was arraigned in court Monday. He is being held on a $25,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on April 26.