Hillsborough deputies investigating diesel thefts at local gas stations

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A suspected diesel thief was caught red-handed trying to steal nearly 100 gallons of gas in Town n’ Country on Saturday.

While the gas station was closed, investigators said a tip led deputies to the Mobil gas station on Hillsborough Avenue.

“They noticed a white van matching one of the descriptions, they go to the Mobil gas station, and goes something is not right, there are no lights on,” spokesperson for Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Phil Martello said.

That’s when deputies spotted Kiusler Ortiz, 24 parked on top of an underground diesel fuel tank.

In the body camera video, deputies tried to talk with Ortiz, but he refused to comply and drove off after hitting an unmarked sheriff’s car.

“Our deputies had received tips that there is a concerning trend in the area, a couple of gas stations are having diesel theft,” Martello said.

The suspect then led deputies on a chase from Hillsborough to Pinellas County. Ortiz was eventually caught and taken into custody.

Gas station employees said Mobil is one of the several gas stations experiencing diesel thefts.

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