Large-Scale Gasoline Theft Operation Busted in Broward County
Four Men Arrested for Siphoning Diesel Fuel from Gas Stations
Broward County, FL – Broward Sheriff’s Office detectives have arrested four men accused of running a "large-scale" gasoline theft operation across Broward County. The suspects allegedly siphoned diesel fuel from multiple gas stations, using vehicles modified with massive storage tanks.
The Operation Uncovered
Detectives with the BSO Burglary Apprehension Team and Pembroke Pines Police tracked the group to a Wawa gas station at 1675 West Oakland Park Boulevard in Oakland Park on March 4. At the scene, detectives observed a Honda Odyssey parked over an underground fuel cap, actively siphoning fuel through a hose.
The Investigation
Two additional vehicles, a Ford Expedition and a Ford Transit van, were used to transport the stolen fuel, according to BSO. Shortly after, officers followed the Honda Odyssey and Ford Expedition to a Chevron gas station at 3099 West Oakland Park Boulevard, where they conducted a felony stop and arrested Blas Duran, Eusebio Claro, and Noel Gonzalez. Orlando Diaz was arrested near the Wawa station in the Ford Transit van.
The Scheme Exposed
Investigators found that the vehicles had been retrofitted with massive storage tanks, some already filled with stolen fuel. The suspects allegedly extracted fuel from the underground tanks at gas stations, transferred it into the Honda Odyssey, and then offloaded it into 1,000-gallon tanks inside the Ford Transit van, while a lookout in the Ford Expedition kept watch.
Charges Filed
The suspects face multiple charges, including retail fuel theft, unlawful conveyance of fuel, and grand theft.
Conclusion
The arrest of these four men marks a significant blow to a large-scale gasoline theft operation in Broward County. The BSO and Pembroke Pines Police have worked tirelessly to bring these suspects to justice, and we are grateful for their quick action in preventing further theft and disruption to the community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How did the suspects allegedly carry out the scheme?
A: The suspects used vehicles modified with massive storage tanks to siphon and transport stolen fuel.
Q: How many gas stations were affected by the scheme?
A: Multiple gas stations were targeted, but the exact number is not specified.
Q: What charges have been filed against the suspects?
A: The suspects face charges of retail fuel theft, unlawful conveyance of fuel, and grand theft.
