TERRELL, Texas — The Terrell Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance identifying several suspects responsible for stealing approximately $14,000 in diesel fuel from a Terrell gas station.
TERRELL, Texas — The Terrell Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance identifying several suspects responsible for stealing approximately $14,000 in diesel fuel from a Terrell gas station.
Terrell Police Department Captain A.D. Sansom says the series of thefts began in November 2015 at the Valero gas station at 1703 South State Highway 34.
“Over a six-month period, several suspects have used fraudulent credit cards to steal approximately $14,000 in diesel fuel,” stated Sansom.
“The suspects have been transporting the fuel in two IBC (Intermediate Bulk Container) in either the bed of an older light blue GMC or Chevrolet pickup truck or in one case, a rented truck from Home Depot,” Sansom said. “In one of the incidents, a black male driving a dark-colored Chrysler 300, pulled up at a pump to help place the fuel into the IBCs.”
On Firday, Sansom says one person was arrested after their department received a 911 call of possible fuel theft. Nearby officers quickly responded and arrested 55-year-old Sammie Smith of Dallas, Texas.
Sansom says Smith was found in possession of approximately 1,000 gallons of diesel fuel which was seized along with Smith's vehicle pending further investigation. Smith is being held in the Kaufman County Jail with one count of engaging in organized criminal activity with a bond of $250,000 and a hold out of Dallas.
Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact Terrell Police Department Detective Birkett at (972) 551-6622 ext.274 or the Kaufman County Crime Stoppers at (877) 847-7522.
