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Florida man caught by K-9 after attempting to steal nearly 300 gallons of gas, worth more than $1,000: police

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Published  January 16, 2025 8:51am EST
Marion County
FOX 35 Orlando

The Brief

    • Police said they arrested recently a Florida man after he was caught stealing nearly 300 gallons of gas, worth more than $1,000.
    • Officials have identified the man as 35-year-old Juan Carlos Abreu-Reyes.
    • Reports show Abreu-Reyes is being charged with grand theft, resisting arrest without violence, operating an unregistered vehicle, unlawful conveyance of fuel and organized dealing in stolen property.
    • Abreu-Reyes currently sits in the Marion County Jail, officers stated.

MARION COUNTY, Fla. - Police said they arrested recently a Florida man after he was caught stealing nearly 300 gallons of gas, worth more than $1,000.

The Ocala Police Department has identified the man as 35-year-old Juan Carlos Abreu-Reyes.

Reports show Abreu-Reyes is being charged with grand theft, resisting arrest without violence, operating an unregistered vehicle, unlawful conveyance of fuel and organized dealing in stolen property.

Abreu-Reyes currently sits in the Marion County Jail, officers stated. 

Police said they arrested Juan Carlos Abreu-Reyes after he was caught stealing 294 gallons of diesel fuel, worth $1,084.86, using a modified minivan equipped for siphoning fuel. (Credit: Ocala Police Department)

Fuel thief caught by K-9

The backstory:

Officers said they were informed of a fuel theft in progress on Jan. 13, and they responded around 9:30 p.m. to the RaceTrac gas station at 4820 SW College Road in Ocala.

According to reports, an Ocala Police Department K-9 officer was the first to arrive at the gas station, and he ordered the man to get out of his car.

Police stated the man tried to get away in his car, as well as on foot, before he was caught by the officer and his K-9.

What we know:

Police said they caught the man stealing 294 gallons of diesel fuel, worth $1,084.86, using a modified minivan equipped for siphoning fuel.

Officers reported the man's car was unregistered and contained multiple storage containers for fuel.

RELATED: Florida man arrested after allegedly attempting to steal 2 lawn mowers, fleeing, lying about identity

What's next:

After identifying the man and conducting an investigation, officials stated Abreu-Reyes was arrested. 

Reports show Abreu-Reyes was taken to the jail after receiving hospital treatment for his dog bite.

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The Source: This story was written based on information shared by the Ocala Police Department.

Marion CountyOcalaCrime and Public Safety