De Soto, Kansas – Two men were arrested after deputies allegedly interrupted a diesel fuel theft at a local gas station early Sunday morning.
According to the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, deputies observed a box truck at the fuel pumps at Harps Food Stores in De Soto around 2 a.m. Sunday. Upon arrival, deputies determined diesel fuel was allegedly being siphoned from underground storage tanks.
Investigators conducted what officials described as a high-risk traffic stop of the vehicle. Juan Yero, 54, was taken into custody without incident. During a search of the box truck, deputies located a second individual, Angel Pena-Palmero, 34, who was also taken into custody, authorities said.
The sheriff’s office reported that approximately 400 gallons of diesel fuel were allegedly taken during the incident.
Both men were booked into the Johnson County Central Booking Facility. Investigators said Yero and Pena-Palmero each face a misdemeanor theft charge. No injuries were reported.
The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division continues to investigate the case. Officials have not released information on whether additional suspects may be involved or how long the alleged fuel siphoning had been occurring prior to deputies’ arrival.
Fuel theft incidents can cause operational disruptions for businesses and may impact fuel availability for early-morning commuters and workers, particularly in areas with limited overnight service.
Anyone with information related to the incident is asked to contact the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office at 913-715-5400.
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