04-04-2013 Deputies Make Fuel Theft Arrest

PRESS RELEASE

ParkerCounty Sheriff’s deputies arrested a Springtown man early this morning in connection with a diesel fuel theft.

Parker County Sheriff Larry Fowler said while deputies were on patrol around 2:30 a.m. in the 5500 block of Highway 199, they observed a suspicious vehicle parked on the shoulder of the road near a trucking business. Deputies then observed a man climbing over the fence of the business, which was closed.

Deputies conducted a routine check which showed the vehicle belonged to the man, later identified as Arlie Berry, 39. Deputies discovered an electric fuel pump connected to about 140 feet of pipe leading from a fuel tank within the gated business grounds to Berry’s truck.

Berry told deputies he was “stealing gas,” and said he did not have permission to take the fuel, which was valued at $360.

Deputies also discovered suspected synthetic marijuana inside Berry’s truck.

Berry was arrested and charged with theft of property, possession of a controlled substance and criminal trespass. His bond was set at $5,000. As of Thursday morning, Berry remained incarcerated at the Parker County Jail.