Two men were arrested and another is wanted on charges of stealing gasoline from the tanks of a local convenience store, according to the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office.
Here’s what happened, according to a news release from the sheriff’s office:
Sheriff’s office deputies located a vehicle parked over a gasoline reservoir at N&K Quick Stop convenience store in Shelby.
Deputies were unable to locate anyone inside the vehicle when it was first discovered, and the vehicle was moved from the convenience store while deputies were dispatched to another call.
The vehicle was later found at a home on Hendrick Lake Road. Deputies found the back seat was removed and equipment to siphon gas was inside the vehicle.
Two men were identified as suspects and arrested on charges of larceny of motor fuel and contributing to the delinquency of a minor — Brandon Keith Littlejohn, 23, and Brandon David Walker, 19. Deputies are still searching for a third suspect, David Michael Vogen, 30.
Littlejohn and Walker both had bonds set at $2,000. Their mug shots were not available Thursday from the sheriff’s office.
Through an investigation, deputies later discovered the suspects made a phone call about a fight in an attempt to distract authorities from N&K so they could leave the business.
Deputies also discovered three other businesses recently hit by motor fuel thefts.
“This just shows how creative the criminal element has become,” Sheriff Alan Norman said. “It is unfortunate that criminals aren’t using these creative skills to be productive law-abiding citizens. The law enforcement community is discovering every day new ways criminals are creating ways to commit their crimes.”