A failed attempt to steal fuel from a Hesperia gas station on Thursday morning resulted in a massive fuel spill, prompting the closure of Main Street, authorities said.
The incident was first discovered about 2 a.m. June 25, when deputies received a report of a “suspicious vehicle” at VP Fuels, at Main Street and Eighth Avenue, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.
“Upon arrival deputies found a vehicle with a pump system leading into a fuel storage tank,” the agency said in a a written statement. “The suspect was attempting to siphon fuel from the tank into a bladder in the vehicle.”
“The pump system failed, resulting in fuel being spilt into the gas station parking lot and surrounding streets,” the statement added.
Authorities shut down Main Street between Seventh Avenue and Ninth Avenue as a hazardous materials crew was called in to clean up the mess.
No further details, including the identity of the suspect, were available Thursday morning.
Anyone with information can reach the Hesperia Police Department at (760) 947-1500. Information may also be provided anonymously to the WeTip hotline at (844) 909-3096.
(This story will be updated as additional information becomes available.)
This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Botched fuel theft results in spill, road closure in Hesperia
Reporting by Brian Day, Victorville Daily Press / Victorville Daily Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Brian Day, Victorville Daily Press | USA TODAY Network
