Fuel prices in California are brutal. I once saw the numbers on a gas station sign, turned my car around, and topped off in Nevada before crossing the border. But one Bay Area trucker stole fuel instead—allegedly swiping 4,107 gallons of diesel straight from government pumps.
Authorities say the trucker stole fuel over multiple weeks
This wasn’t a one-time bad decision. According to the California Highway Patrol, the trucker stole fuel from Caltrans yards in Hercules and Walnut Creek throughout late 2024. It took a watchful employee to notice something was off. When repeated unauthorized fill-ups popped up on records, CHP set up surveillance at both locations.
That’s when they caught him in the act. In December, police say, the trucker stole fuel once again—driving his semi into a Caltrans yard, illegally fueling up, and rolling out like nothing happened. Officers pulled him over shortly after, citing a minor traffic violation but mainly confirming his identity.
I have so many questions. But mostly, how did the trucker get away with it? Was this a part-time state employee? A semi truck owner/operator who somehow had access to the yards? Or was he just a very confident semi truck driver who somehow got away with this hesitation multiple times?
Was the diesel heist even worth it?
Authorities estimate the trucker stole fuel worth $15,065—but that’s based on wholesale prices. At late February’s $4.87 per gallon California diesel rate, that fuel was actually worth closer to $20,000 if the trucker had paid for it at the pump. That’s not just a free tank—it’s an entire side hustle.
No charges yet, but the bill for the trucker’s stolen fuel is coming
The suspect was arrested on January 28 for grand theft but hasn’t been formally charged. CHP is still investigating whether he had help from inside Caltrans or if he simply exploited weak security…