Diesel

Four arrested in California diesel-siphoning thefts from parked semis since August

Ventura County deputies say about 315 gallons worth about $3,330 were taken in four thefts; the suspects were caught Oct. 13 after another siphoning, according to CDLLife's report.

By CDLWire · Published October 16, 2026

Summarized from CDLLife.

A parked semi truck at night in a storage yard with a fuel tank visible in low light

Four men have been arrested in California in connection with diesel fuel siphoned from parked semi trucks in and around Ventura County since August, according to CDLLife on Oct. 15.

CDLLife named the arrested men as Alfonso Vargas, 52, Alfonso Vargas Jr., 33, Gilbert Flores, 37, and Miguel Cruz, 38, and said they were arrested this week for four separate thefts. Citing CBS reporting, CDLLife said the men stole around 315 gallons of diesel worth about $3,330.

Deputies began tracking the men in September, when they allegedly broke into a semi truck storage yard in Oxnard and siphoned over 70 gallons of fuel. The suspects were caught on Oct. 13 after siphoning fuel from another semi truck, according to the report.

For drivers and small fleets parking in the area, the arrests are a reminder to check tanks and fuel-card records after overnight parking, and to report fresh siphoning promptly.