Fresno police are searching for a suspect accused of stealing more than $2,500 in gasoline by siphoning it directly from underground tanks at a local gas station. The incident occurred on August 10 at the station located at North Chestnut and East McKinley avenues.
Video footage released by the Fresno Police Department shows a white adult male, who wears glasses, at the gas station. The suspect was reportedly driving a black 1986 Chevrolet single-cab pickup truck with faded paint on the roof.
The theft comes amid persistently high gasoline prices in California, which has the highest prices in the nation. Statewide average prices increased from $5.58 per gallon on August 19 to $5.66 by August 22. In Los Angeles, the average price reached $5.73 per gallon after 14 consecutive days of increases. The national average stood at $4.08 per gallon, which is more than 80 cents higher than the previous year.
According to AAA, volatility in the Strait of Hormuz has contributed to crude oil prices remaining around $80 per barrel. President Donald Trump is expected to meet with oil refining executives to discuss strategies for lowering gas prices and increasing domestic refining capacity.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the suspect's identity to contact the Fresno Police Department.