| Nature of Incident: |
Diesel Theft Suspects Arrested |
| Report Number: |
26-122936 |
| Location: |
1300 block Newbury Rd / SB 101 @ Westlake Blvd, City of Thousand Oaks |
| Date & Time: |
October 13th, 2026 8:00 PM |
| Unit(s) Responsible: |
Headquarters Investigations
Ventura County Sheriff’s Crime Analysis Unit
West County Special Enforcement Unit
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| (S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent |
City of Residence
|
Age |
(S) Alfonso Vargas
(S) Alfonso Vargas Jr
(S) Gilbert Flores
(S) Miguel Cruz |
Los Angeles
Los Angeles
Los Angeles
Los Angeles |
52
33
37
38 |
Narrative:
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On September 18, 2026, Headquarters Patrol deputies responded to Tri County Transportation, a commercial truck and semi-trailer storage yard in the unincorporated area of Oxnard, for a reported diesel fuel theft. The victim reported approximately 70 gallons of diesel fuel had been siphoned from his semi-truck.
Headquarters Detectives canvassed the area and reviewed surveillance footage, which showed a vehicle scouting the location and inspecting parked semi-trucks. Minutes later, a large white Ford Econoline-style van arrived, and suspects exited and siphoned fuel from a truck. Although investigators initially could not identify the vehicles, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Flock Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) system helped identify both vehicles and connect them to additional diesel thefts throughout Ventura County.
Working with the Sheriff’s Office Crime Analysis Unit, detectives identified four additional thefts in Camarillo and Thousand Oaks dating back to August 2026. The cases followed a similar pattern: a vehicle acted as a lookout while a Ford van equipped with fuel-siphoning equipment targeted parked commercial trucks. Approximately 315 gallons of diesel fuel were reported stolen in these four additional incidents, including one theft in which a suspect broke a locking fuel cap. Based on the average cost of diesel fuel in Ventura County, this is a combined loss of approximately $3,330.00.
Investigators identified the suspects in the lookout vehicle as Alfonso Vargas (DOB: 11/01/1973) and Alfonso Vargas Jr. (DOB: 08/24/1993). Gilbert Flores (DOB: 01/19/1989) and Miguel Cruz (DOB: 01/19/1988) were identified as the suspects operating the van and siphoning the fuel. All four suspects are from the Los Angeles area and have extensive criminal history.
On October 13, 2026, Headquarters Detectives and the West County Special Enforcement Unit received information that the suspects were again scouting locations in Ventura County, specifically Thousand Oaks. Detectives conducted surveillance and observed the driver of the GMC Sierra acting as a lookout while suspects in the Ford van siphoned diesel fuel from a Freightliner truck parked in a local business parking lot.
After the theft, detectives followed both vehicles and coordinated simultaneous traffic stops at separate locations and the four suspects were detained. During the investigation, detectives located two 1,200-gallon fuel tanks and pumping equipment inside the van. The owner of the Freightliner was contacted and confirmed the theft of diesel detectives witnessed.
All four suspects were arrested and booked into the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility for conspiracy Penal Code 182(a) / Conspiracy to Commit a Crime and Penal Code 484(a) / Theft, with additional charges pending.
These suspects traveled from the Los Angeles area into Ventura County to target commercial trucks and steal diesel fuel from the drivers who depend on those vehicles to earn a living. Truck drivers work long hours transporting the goods our communities rely on, and fuel theft creates additional financial losses, operational disruptions, and costs for those trying to make an honest living. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to investigating these crimes, holding offenders accountable, and pursuing those who travel into our county to victimize our residents and businesses.
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| Prepared by: |
Sergeant Ryan DeBlauw |
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| News Release Date: |
October 14th , 2026 |
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| Media Follow-Up Contact: |
Detective Robert Rawston
(805) 654-2360
[email protected] |
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Approved by:
Booking Photo Release: |
Captain Robert Davidson
YES NO X |
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