Two Nanakuli women arrested Friday night in Pearl City after police allegedly saw one of them sawing a fallen aluminum utility pole were released pending further investigation tonight.

The women, ages 40 and 48, were arrested at 11 p.m. on Waihona Street on suspicion of second-degree theft. Between them, the pair have 18 prior criminal convictions.

The younger suspect, who has six convictions and two outstanding misdemeanor warrants, was allegedly sawing a portion of the pole when police investigating a "suspicious circumstances" complaint arrived. Another section of the pole was found in the bed of a pickup truck.

The second suspect was seated in the truck.

Police learned that the pole was knocked down in an accident in July and had been placed behind guardrails on the roadway.