2 Nabbed in Alleged Gasoline Theft: Police

Business owner beats police to gas station thanks to alarms hidden in the pumps

Two Florida men who allegedly used their technical prowess to steal gas from a Valero gas station in San Jacinto were caught thanks to an alarm system the owner installed in the pumps.

Yoandris Sanchez, 32, and Roberto Diaz, 40, were arrested Tuesday at 2:23 a.m. at the Valero at 697 South State St., police said.

The Tampa men allegedly used "an electronic device" to bypass the pump's authorization system.

"Anymore, you have these techno-weenies. Honestly, I just don't know how they do it," said San Jacinto resident Max Perry.

Thanks to an alarm inside the pump's panel, gas station owner Gureet Singh beat police to the scene. While awaiting law enforcement, the business man snapped pictures of the suspects and their truck.

Police arrived and arrested the men on suspicion of attempted grand theft.

"Most criminals spend more time being criminals; it just amazes me what they could accomplish if they would just get a job," San Jacinto resident Peter said.

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Anyone with information about the case was asked to call the San Jacinto Police Department at 951-654-2702.

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