Man arrested in Alabama for ‘illegally hijacking diesel pumps at truck stops across the country’

The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) arrested a man who they say was orchestrating a “sophisticated multi-state diesel fuel theft” operation.

At 2:20 a.m. on February 2, 2026, a deputy with DCSO stopped a U-Haul van traveling east on Highway 117 in Mentone, Alabama, near East River Road.

While conducting the traffic stop, the deputy spotted large tanks containing approximately 600 gallons of diesel fuel stowed improperly within the rear of the van.

The U-Haul driver, Michel Alvarez, 42, of Los Angeles, California, did not possess a CDL or have any of the proper paperwork or documentation required to haul Motor Vehicle Fuel in the state of Alabama, according to police.

A search of the U-Haul van uncovered a bag containing electrical switches, wiring, remotes, and battery packs, “which raised suspicions when coupled with such a large amount of diesel fuel in close proximity.”

Other agencies including the Dekalb County Drugs and Major Crimes Unit, Mentone Police Department, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation responded to assist in the investigation.

“Investigators later learned that Alvarez was conducting a sophisticated multi-state diesel fuel theft which consisted of illegally hijacking diesel pumps at truck stops across the country. Alvarez had traveled from New Jersey down the east coast gaining access to an unknown number of diesel fuel pumps to essentially “scam” the pumps into dispensing fuel without paying,” DCSO said.

Alvarez was arrested and charged with:

• Felony Unlawful Motor Vehicle Fuel Transport
• Receiving Stolen Property 1st
• Possession of Burglary Tools

The Department of Homeland Security was also notified and will be assisting with the investigation.