EAST MILLINOCKET, Maine — A Texas man is facing charges after allegedly stealing diesel fuel and damaging a truck at an East Millinocket trucking business.
East Millinocket Police Chief Cameron McDunnah responded to a report Wednesday that a local arrived at work at Timberland Trucking and discovered a large amount of diesel fuel stolen from his truck, the East Millinocket Police Department said in a social media post Friday.
It also was reported that there was damage to the fuel components of the truck, according to the post.
As a result of the missing fuel and damage, the trucking company was reportedly unable to complete their scheduled load for the day, police stated.
While reviewing surveillance video from nearby businesses, McDunnah discovered video footage of a "suspect truck and suspect in the Timberland Trucking lot the previous evening," the post said.
"With the help of the local hard working trucking community, and employees of the local trucking companies that fell victim to this crime they began sharing information on social media to try and identify the suspect and suspect truck," the post stated. "Soon, Chief McDunnah began receiving multiple tips from area truckers, which led to information regarding the whereabouts of the truck and possible destination."
Just after 4 p.m., police received information that the suspect truck was spotted traveling south on Interstate 95 passing through Medway. The witness reportedly kept police updated on the truck's whereabouts until McDunnah was able to catch up to it just south of the Lincoln exit.
McDunnah tried to stop the 18-wheeler, but the truck failed to stop for the blue lights and siren and continued traveling for about four more miles before coming to a stop, police said.
Sgt. Garrett Carlson assisted McDunnah in conducting a roadside interview with the truck driver and observing evidence.
The driver, identified as 34-year-old Erik Beltran-Alvarez of Brownsville, Texas, was arrested for theft, according to the social media post.
According to Cpl. Bradley Fitzgerald with the East Millinocket Police Department, Beltran-Alvarez was the owner of the tractor-trailer truck.
Fitzgerald also added that the damaged fuel components included the fuel water separator and fuel level sender and that the truck has since been repaired. The truck is owned by Northstar Transport.
Beltran-Alvarez was taken to Penobscot County Jail and charged with theft, criminal mischief, and failure to stop for law enforcement.
"The victim lost over $780 worth of diesel fuel and suffered more than $1200 in damage and repairs to the trucks fuel system," police stated.
No additional information was released.