A 36-year-old North Platte man, who police say stole some scrap metal from a local business, is now facing a felony charge.

On Wednesday, at around 6:55 p.m., an officer on patrol observed Nicholas MacMillan walking in the 1100 block of East Seventh Street, carrying some scrap metal.

According to Investigator John Deal, the officer contacted MacMillan and asked him some basic questions, including where he got the metal from.

MacMillan told the officer that he had gotten the metal from Pagel Electric, 819 East Seventh Street.  He told the officer that he had been given permission to take the metal, and said he worked for Pagel.  He also claimed that the metal was in the garbage at the business, and was going to be thrown away.

The officer made contact with the owner of the business, who denied giving MacMillan permission to take the metal and said he did not even know him. They also denied that the metal was in the garbage and claimed it was on their property.

As a result, MacMillan was placed under arrest and charged with theft.  Because of prior convictions, the charge was enhanced to a felony, according to Deal.  Court records indicate that this would be his third theft charge.

MacMillan was jailed at the Lincoln County Detention Center.  His bond was set at ten percent of $10,000.