A man from New Jersey was arrested last week for allegedly tampering with a gas pump at a Delaware station to steal more than $1,700 worth of fuel.
Kelvin Giron-Brand, 34, from Paterson, was accused of installing a special device on a fuel pump at a Wawa station in New Castle, allowing him to dispense large quantities of fuel at a significantly reduced cost, as per Delaware State Police.
Following a report of fuel theft at the Wawa around 3 p.m. last Tuesday, troopers arrived at the scene and discovered Giron-Brand at a pump with a white Ford van.
Investigation revealed a pattern of diesel fuel thefts using similar devices at various Wawa gas stations in the region.
Upon inspecting the pump Giron-Brand was using, authorities found one of these manipulation devices. In his work van, officers discovered multiple containers holding over $1,700 worth of fuel.
The authorities noted that Giron-Brand had paid less than $20 for the fuel due to the manipulation device.
Giron-Brand was arrested without any issues and faces charges of shoplifting over $1,500, possession of burglary tools or instruments involving disabling security systems, and second-degree conspiracy— all felonies. He is currently held at Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on a $14,000 secured bond.
