Two Cape Coral men were arrested after detectives said they used a remote-controlled device to steal nearly $500 worth of diesel fuel from a gas station in Golden Gate.
Liomar Roman Fernandez, 39, and Jeriel Alvarez Lazo, 32, are in the Collier County jail facing multiple felony charges including unlawful possession and use of an electronic device to alter a retail fuel dispenser and fuel theft.
Collier County detectives said Fernandez and Lazo went to the 7-Eleven store at 8868 Immokalee Road around 6:30 p.m. on Monday where the allegedly pumped a large amount of diesel fuel into a container in the back of their van.
The report states the two men were filling the container for "about 15 minutes" when security grew suspicious and contacted CCSO. Fernandez and Lazo were still at the pump when deputies arrived.
According to CCSO, the duo had an electric device attached to a fuel pump that enabled them to remotely operate the pump without it registering that any payment was owed to the cash register inside the store.
Detectives said the pair had illegally pumped 145 gallons of fuel, totaling $495.36. Fernandez and Lazo were arrested.
Further investigation by detectives found Fernandez and Lazo may have been working in tandem with a second vehicle.
Minutes before the duo pulled up to the pump, detectives said a white pickup had been there and stole 175 gallons of diesel fuel.
Detectives said the truck occupants most likely installed the electronic bypass device and left it for Lazo and Fernandez to use. CCSO said the investigation remains active.
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