Staff Reports
Anaheim – According to Anaheim Detectives, three men suspected of stealing more than 6,000 gallons of diesel fuel over the past few months have been arrested. The three accused thieves were caught in the process of stealing on Tuesday, Feb. 18.
Detectives are investigating a series of gas thefts in Anaheim. They estimate that at least 6,600 gallons of fuel were stolen in Anaheim alone since October 2013.
In addition, investigators believe they may also be responsible for similar thefts across Southern California. According to Anaheim’s public safety spokesman, the three men are also suspected of being involved in similar incidents in Los Angeles, San Diego and San Bernardino counties.
The thieves obtained the stolen diesel fuel by cutting locks on gates where 18-wheelers and vehicles using diesel fuel were parked. They would then empty out the vehicles’ gas tanks.
According to the Anaheim Police Department, surveillance video was what ultimately led to the demise of this group. One of the surveillance cameras spotted a vehicle believed to be used by one of the thieves. Detectives then obtained the license plate number and used it to track the vehicle down. On Tuesday night, detectives followed the van to an area near Knott and Crescent in Buena Park where they interrupted the three men in the act of stealing more diesel fuel.
Eddie Lino, 20, Deion Milton, 21, and Onorato Uribe, 32, were all arrested on suspicion of grand theft and possession of stolen property, according to Anaheim Police Department. All three men are Los Angeles County residents.
Police are asking anyone who believes they were a victim of the diesel thefts to contact police at 714-765-1900.
