$700+ in Diesel Stolen From Maine Truck, Texas Man Faces Charges

A Texas trucker is accused of stealing over $700 in diesel from another driver in Maine, and causing damage to the rig.

Where Did This Happen?

East Millinocket Police say a Maine resident arrived at work at Timberland Trucking, only to discover that someone had stolen a large amount of diesel fuel from his eighteen wheeler. In addition, he noticed damage that had been done to the fuel components on his truck. The damage and amount of fuel stolen was enough to prevent the company from completing their scheduled load for that day. Officials say over $780 worth of diesel was stolen and the truck sustained more than $1,200 worth of damage.

How Did Police Find the Trucker Suspected of the Theft?

Police Chief McDunnah responded to the trucking company and began reviewing video surveillance footage from several nearby businesses. As a result, he was able to identify an eighteen-wheeler and suspect that had been in the Timberland Trucking parking lot, on the previous evening.

The information was put out on social media and local truckers were able to help police identify the suspect and his truck. It wasn't long before tips started pouring into the East Millinocket Police Department from area truckers, which led officials to the location of the rig and its possible destination.

Who Was Arrested?

Those tips led Chief McDunnah to catch up to the suspect's vehicle south of Lincoln on I-95. He engaged his lights and siren but the driver failed to pull over, traveling approximately 4 miles before coming to a stop. After a brief roadside interview, police arrested the driver:

• Erik Beltran-Alvarez, 34, of Brownsville, Texas is charged with theft, criminal mischief, and failure to stop for law enforcement.

He was transported to the Penobscot County Jail.