Four LA men arrested in countywide diesel fuel theft ring

Four Los Angeles-area men were arrested Oct. 13 after Ventura County Sheriff's detectives caught them siphoning diesel fuel from a parked commercial truck in Thousand Oaks, using license plate reader technology to crack a months-long string of fuel thefts across the county.

The pattern. On Sept. 18, 2026, Headquarters Patrol deputies responded to Tri County Transportation, a commercial truck and semi-trailer storage yard in unincorporated Oxnard, for a reported diesel fuel theft. The victim reported approximately 70 gallons of diesel had been siphoned from his semi-truck.

Detectives canvassed the area and reviewed surveillance footage, which showed a vehicle scouting the location and inspecting parked semi-trucks. Minutes later, a large white Ford Econoline-style van arrived, and suspects exited and siphoned fuel from a truck. Although investigators initially could not identify the vehicles, the Sheriff's Office Flock Automated License Plate Reader system helped identify both vehicles and connect them to additional diesel thefts throughout Ventura County.

Additional thefts. Working with the Sheriff's Office Crime Analysis Unit, detectives identified four additional thefts in Camarillo and Thousand Oaks dating back to August 2026. The cases followed a similar pattern: a vehicle acted as a lookout while a Ford van equipped with fuel-siphoning equipment targeted parked commercial trucks. Approximately 315 gallons of diesel fuel were reported stolen in these four additional incidents, including one theft in which a suspect broke a locking fuel cap. Based on the average cost of diesel fuel in Ventura County, the combined loss was approximately $3,330.

The suspects. Investigators identified the suspects in the lookout vehicle as Alfonso Vargas, 52, and Alfonso Vargas Jr., 33. Gilbert Flores, 37, and Miguel Cruz, 38, were identified as the suspects operating the van and siphoning the fuel. All four suspects are from the Los Angeles area and have extensive criminal history, according to the Sheriff's Office.

The arrest. On Oct. 13, 2026, Headquarters Detectives and the West County Special Enforcement Unit received information that the suspects were again scouting locations in Ventura County, specifically Thousand Oaks. Detectives conducted surveillance and observed the driver of a GMC Sierra acting as a lookout while suspects in the Ford van siphoned diesel fuel from a Freightliner truck parked in a local business parking lot.

After the theft, detectives followed both vehicles and coordinated simultaneous traffic stops at separate locations. The four suspects were detained. During the investigation, detectives located two 1,200-gallon fuel tanks and pumping equipment inside the van. The owner of the Freightliner was contacted and confirmed the theft.

Charges. All four suspects were arrested and booked into the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility for conspiracy to commit a crime and theft, with additional charges pending.

The Sheriff's Office said the suspects traveled from the Los Angeles area into Ventura County to target commercial trucks and steal diesel fuel from drivers who depend on those vehicles to earn a living. Truck drivers work long hours transporting goods, and fuel theft creates financial losses, operational disruptions, and costs for those trying to make an honest living.

How to help. Anyone with information may contact Detective Robert Rawston at 805-654-2360 or Robert.Rawston@ventura.org.