Ocala, FL - A Florida man is behind bars after police caught him siphoning nearly 300 gallons of diesel fuel worth over $1,000.
The Ocala Police Department identified the suspect as 35-year-old Juan Carlos Abreu-Reyes.
He was arrested on multiple charges of grand theft, resisting arrest without violence, operating an unregistered vehicle, unlawful conveyance of fuel, and organized dealing in stolen property.
According to police, the incident occurred on January 13th around 9:30 p.m. at the RaceTrac gas station located on SW College Road in Ocala.
Officers were alerted to a fuel theft in progress and quickly responded to the scene.
A K-9 officer was the first to arrive and ordered Abreu-Reyes to exit his vehicle.
However, authorities say the suspect attempted to flee both in his car and on foot before being apprehended by the officer and his K-9.
Investigators discovered that Abreu-Reyes had stolen 294 gallons of diesel fuel, valued at $1,084.86, using a modified minivan designed for siphoning fuel.
Police also noted the van was unregistered and contained several fuel storage containers.
After being identified and investigated, Abreu-Reyes was arrested and taken to the Marion County Jail.
He received medical treatment for a dog bite before being booked, officers confirmed.
The case remains under investigation as authorities continue to crack down on fuel theft operations.
