Garland Police Department detectives have been working on an extensive investigation involving suspects stealing thousands of gallons of gasoline. The thefts have occurred across multiple jurisdictions. Detectives believe that over 18,000 gallons of fuel was stolen from the Ricky Rockets Fuel station located at 1910 South Jupiter Road, utilizing a complicated system that included a box truck with an internal storage system.
On April 13, Garland PD detectives located a vehicle believed to be involved in the theft ring. Detectives surveilled the vehicle as it traveled to Bowie and Franklin County. The suspect vehicle stopped and was in the process of stealing fuel, when troopers from the Texas Department of Public Safety and GPD detectives interrupted their efforts. Three individuals were arrested. At the time of arrest, the suspects were in possession of over 1,500 gallons of stolen fuel.
The suspects are identified as 30-year-old Julio Benitez-Hernandez, 42-year-old Joxan Santos-Legon and 30-year-old Rafael Vazquez-Unzaga. They were transported to Bowie County Jail. All are facing fuel-related theft charges in Garland, as well as Bowie, and Franklin County.
Pictures of the suspects are not available at this time. This is an ongoing investigation.
The Garland Police Department would like to acknowledge and thank the Texas Department of Public Safety. GPD would also like to thank the Texas Financial Crimes Intelligence Center and the Texas Comptroller’s Office for their assistance in this investigation.