A 24-year-old Cuban resident of Hialeah was taken into custody in Pembroke Pines, Broward County, for allegedly stealing hundreds of gallons of fuel using a specially modified truck and magnetic devices that purportedly tampered with pumps at several 7-Eleven gas stations.
The suspect, identified as Rodolfo Molina Conde, faces a plethora of charges including grand theft, fuel fraud, illegal transportation of fuel, and unlicensed fuel transport, according to police documents cited by Local 10.
The Arrest Incident
The arrest unfolded on Tuesday, November 10, around 7:30 p.m., when an officer responded to a 7-Eleven gas station after receiving a tip-off about an ongoing fuel theft.
Upon arrival, the officer discovered a black Ford truck with distinctive decals on its side and rear window. Molina Conde was outside the truck while the pump continued to dispense fuel. The officer commanded him to raise his hands and subsequently arrested him.
Altered Vehicle with Advanced Devices
The truck was equipped with an auxiliary tank in the rear, capable of holding nearly 200 gallons, connected through piping to the vehicle’s fuel system.
Investigators found that the original fuel tank cover had been modified with an additional opening to facilitate the flow of fuel into the larger tank.
As per the police report, Molina Conde is believed to have used magnetic devices to disrupt pump operations and acquire fuel without the system accurately logging the dispensed amount.
Discovery and Evidence
When the officer intervened, the pump's meter showed a transaction of approximately $20, despite the vehicle continuing to fill up.
A store employee detected the anomaly while monitoring security cameras from Texas. She noticed that the pump only registered $20, although the truck had been fueling for a significant time, as reported by Javier Díaz of Univision Miami.
During a search of the vehicle, officers uncovered multiple large fishing magnets, several hundred dollars in cash, three cell phones, and equipment related to the fuel system alterations.
The police noted that the magnets resembled those used in other fuel theft incidents. The truck was seized as evidence, causing alarm among patrons present at the gas station.
A witness expressed concerns over the potential danger: "It's like a bomb, it's a risk to all of us. Imagine if it exploded here, goodbye," he remarked to Univision Miami, highlighting the hazards of transporting large fuel quantities in a modified vehicle.
Previous Incidents and Charges
Authorities linked Molina Conde to two incidents at 7-Eleven stations in Pembroke Pines.
In the event leading to his arrest, investigators estimated 122 gallons of diesel, valued at $705.16, were stolen.
The second incident occurred on October 14 at another 7-Eleven on Pines Boulevard. According to the police report cited by Local 10, a regional loss prevention manager reported security footage capturing several vehicles and manipulation of a pump.
The footage depicted a white SUV and a Dodge Ram truck. Investigators detailed how a man placed a device beneath a pump before departing.
Subsequently, a Dodge Ram truck parked next to the pump, and its driver, identified by investigators as Molina Conde, began fueling without paying.
In that incident, police estimated 153 gallons of fuel, valued at $948.60, were stolen.
In total, authorities attribute the theft of 275 gallons of fuel, with estimated losses of $1,653.76, to the accused.
Release After Posting Bail
Following his arrest, Molina Conde was booked into the main jail in Broward County. Among the charges he faces is also petty theft.
As per the police report, the accused requested an attorney after being read his Miranda rights.
He remained detained as of the morning of Wednesday, November 11, with bail set at $13,300, according to Local 10.
Later, journalist Javier Díaz from Univision Miami reported on social media that Molina Conde had been released after posting bail.
In a related incident, another man from Hialeah was accused in August of stealing hundreds of gallons of diesel from 7-Eleven stations using a truck equipped with an auxiliary tank and magnetic devices.
Commonly Asked Questions About Gasoline Theft in Florida
How was the gasoline theft conducted?
The theft was executed using a modified truck equipped with a large auxiliary tank and magnetic devices to tamper with the pumps, allowing the suspect to steal fuel without proper transaction records.
What charges does Rodolfo Molina Conde face?
Molina Conde faces charges including grand theft, fuel fraud, illegal fuel transportation, and unlicensed fuel transport.
How did authorities discover the fuel theft?
Authorities were alerted to the theft by a store employee monitoring security cameras from Texas, which showed discrepancies in the fuel transaction records.