On May 11, 2022, the Northwest Deployment Team was investigating multiple known fuel theft suspects. The suspects drove to a gas station located in the 10400 block of Garland Road using three separate vehicles, including a modified pickup truck that had been outfitted with an external fuel tank. 

The preliminary investigation determined Pedro Ruiz opened the front panel of a fuel pump and installed an electronic device designed to steal fuel. Alfredo Hechavarria then pumped 80 gallons of stolen fuel into one of their vehicles while Lazaro Echemendiamiranda and Betancourt Barco acted as “lookouts”.  Uniformed officers then stopped and arrested the suspects. 

A total of three electronic devices were found at the location; one inside the fuel pump and two additional devices inside one of the suspect vehicles.

All four suspects were charged with Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity, Theft of a Petroleum Product and Unlawful Use of a Criminal Instrument.

This case is documented on service number 083433-2022.