Three gas theft suspects severely burned after siphoning gas from gas station

As a result of the investigation into a motor home fire in the 10200 blk River Rd, Delta Police confirm that the suspects set their motor home on fire badly injuring themselves while attempting to siphon gasoline from the holding tanks of the gas station.

“Typically, gasoline stolen in this fashion is subsequently sold on the black market for a substantial discount over pump prices,” said Delta Police spokesperson A/Sgt. Sarah Swallow.  “This case is by no means the first of its kind and it illustrates the potentially devastating impact of this type of criminal behaviour.  This method of obtaining gasoline poses inherent dangers to innocent bystanders, first responders, property, and the suspects themselves.”

At approximately 3 am on March 15, police and fire personnel responded to the scene and found a motor home fully engulfed in flames. Two male victims located at the scene remain in critical but stable condition at the hospital. The injured female observed fleeing the area was later found at an address in New Westminster.  She was treated medically and was able to speak to police.

Delta Police investigators believe that the motor home was parked over the top of the in-ground fuel tanks. Once parked, the suspects removed a trap door in the floor boards of the motor home and accessed the tanks. Police estimate that the suspects siphoned hundreds of litres of gasoline from the in-ground tank into a large plastic storage tank inside the motor home. During the siphoning process an unknown ignition source ignited the on-board gasoline, resulting in the fire and severe injuries to the victims.

The investigation is ongoing, and the suspects face several potential charges, including theft over $5000.

Source: Delta Police | Image: Fuel canister via Shutterstock