OCALA, FL (352today.com) – A 35-year-old man was arrested late Saturday night after attempting to steal diesel fuel from the RaceTrac gas station at 4820 SW College Road., according to the Ocala Police Department (OPD).
The incident happened around 9:30 p.m., when officers were dispatched to the location in response to a theft in progress.
According to OPD, Juan Carlos Abreu-Reyes, of Ocala, was caught siphoning 294 gallons of diesel fuel, valued at $1,084.86, using a modified minivan equipped for the illegal operation. K9 Officer Boley was the first to arrive at the scene and reportedly ordered Abreu-Reyes to exit his vehicle. The suspect, however, attempted to flee in the minivan, later abandoning the vehicle and running on foot.
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OPD says that Boley and his K9 partner, Creed, quickly pursued the suspect, who was ultimately apprehended after a brief foot chase. They say that the minivan was unregistered and contained several large fuel storage containers.
Detective Decker took over the investigation, which OPD says led to Abreu-Reyes’ arrest on multiple charges, including grand theft, resisting arrest without violence, operating an unregistered vehicle, unlawful conveyance of fuel, and organized dealing in stolen property.
Abreu-Reyes was taken to the Marion County Jail after receiving medical treatment for a dog bite sustained during the arrest.
The investigation is ongoing.