Gas theft suspects were caught in Central Florida after crime analysts notified deputies.
This month, analysts at the Volusia County Crime Center were notified by the Seminole County Crime Center of a suspect vehicle in a diesel fuel siphoning ring.
Volusia County Crime Center detected the vehicle traveling in the Deltona area, with a second vehicle following it.
Deputies flooded and surrounded the area, and spotted the gold Chrysler minivan parked over the fuel port at a Racetrac gas station for about 15 minutes. The van then parked at a nearby Waffle House, where the driver ran from responding deputies. The suspect, Henry Gonzalez Ortega of Hialeah, was taken into custody after a short foot chase.
An inspection of the gold minivan revealed it was carrying a large auxiliary fuel tank. A hole was cut through the floorboard, the suspension of the vehicle had been altered, and the chassis was sitting on wooden 2×4 blocks strapped to the axle using metal retention straps.
A second suspect, Jose Garcia Aguila of Orlando, was taken into custody in another minivan at a Burger King in DeBary. Gas cans and a hose were found in the back of the vehicle.
Both suspects were transported to the Volusia County Branch Jail on charges associated with the theft and unlawful conveyance of fuel.
According to local law enforcement, a criminal history check revealed Garcia Aguila was previously arrested on similar charges in Orange County. Both defendants are citizens of Cuba.
