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OREM — Police in Orem had no problem spotting an alleged scrap metal thief Monday. They say his car stuck out — in more ways than one.

A man who police say took scrap metal from a construction area near 50 S. 1200 West, was easily spotted when they saw four 12-foot aluminum beams hanging out of his car window.

The man was spotted about 11 a.m. Monday by a passer-by who believed he was stealing metal. The passer-by even pulled over and told the man, "That's not yours," to which he replied, "Mind your own business," said Orem Police Sgt. Craig Martinez.

The passer-by called police, who quickly spotted the man eight blocks away.

What can you say? You can't really talk your way out of that one. –Sgt. Craig Martinez

"He was pretty hard to miss," Martinez said.

The man had pulled into a scrap metal yard and was about to attempt to sell the metal police say he had stolen. With the 12-foot beams sticking out of the man's car, he didn't even try to offer an excuse to police.

"What can you say? You can't really talk your way out of that one," Martinez said.

Paul Miller, 49, was arrested for investigation of misdemeanor theft as well as an outstanding warrant.

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