License plate reader helps Florida police nab diesel theft suspect

Police in Volusia County, Florida, put the brakes on a suspect wanted for multiple diesel fuel thefts.

On July 6 and July 12, Circle K gas stations in Deltona and DeLand discovered the loss of approximately 300 gallons of diesel.

Using surveillance video, police were able to identify a suspect vehicle, a white Ram 2500 pickup.

Police used license plate reader data to identify the registered owner, Yusniel Lara, 40.

As the fuel thefts were under investigation, more diesel theft incidents were reported in Sanford and Ocala, the Volusia Sheriff’s Office (VSO) said.

The Ram pickup was entered into police systems as a felony vehicle.

On July 22, a license plate reader in DeLand alerted to the tag.

The DeLand Police Department and VSO responded to a Circle K location that had previously experienced diesel theft.

“On the driver’s seat, detectives found a large magnet commonly used to steal diesel fuel from pumps. In the pickup bed was a large auxiliary fuel tank with the cap open, but not yet filled. On the gas pump itself, an access panel was pried off, and a pry tool was found in Lara’s driver’s door compartment,” VSO said.

Lara faces multiple counts of larceny, and additional charges could be filed as the investigation continues.