By Howard Koplowitz 

Alphonso Lark, 54

A Tuskegee man was charged with looting after authorities say he stole a hot water heater and other items from a tornado-damaged home.

Alphonso Lark, 54, entered a tornado-damaged property Monday morning in the 7400 block of U.S. Highway 29 in Troy when he stole the hot water heater, a fireplace and electronics, among other items, according to charging documents filed Monday in Pike County District Court.

Lark then allegedly took the items to a recycling plant in an attempt to convert them into cash.

It was not clear whether authorities were able to retrieve the items, which were valued at more than $500.

Efforts to reach Troy police were unsuccessful.

Looting is a Class C felony.

Lark faces between 366 days and 10 years in prison if convicted of the offense.

Troy sustained extensive damage from Sunday’s tornado, including to the Troy Recreation Center and Sportsplex sustained, where 200 people were sheltered.

The Troy Parks and Recreation Department posted on Facebook Sunday morning.

“We are thankful the Lord provided protection over our community, and over 200 guests at the Recreation Center storm shelter, on Saturday night.”

Elsewhere in Pike County, crews reported downed power lines and damaged buildings.

Two people are reported dead in Dallas County. A man was killed in Talladega County.

Several areas in central Alabama, including Calera, Gordo, Maplesville, Pletcher and Sipsey, reported damage during Saturday’s tornado outbreak.

There were multiple confirmed tornadoes in Tuscaloosa, Cullman, Pickens and Pike counties.

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