Authorities in San Bernardino County have taken nine individuals into custody following the theft of over 200 propane tanks from an AmeriGas facility. As reported by KTLA, the San Bernardino County sheriff’s deputies were first alerted to the heist at the company's Adelanto address on Tuesday.
The ensemble of suspects encompasses a range of ages, from 27 to 74, all residents of Lancaster, and they were linked to the string of thefts through an extensive investigation. The stolen property, which includes not only the propane tanks but also a collection of illegal firearms and 11 stolen vehicles, was recovered after four search warrants were executed in the Lancaster and Victor Valley areas. Each suspect is now facing felony charges tied to the incident.
A similar theft had transpired barely a month prior. On March 31, an AmeriGas worker reported that over 100 propane tanks had been taken from the very same location. This led to a search in the Palmdale area, where authorities tracked down and recovered 160 stolen tanks.
The crime appears to be part of a larger pattern, though it remains unclear what the broader motivations behind the thefts might be. To further their investigation, deputies are asking for public assistance. Anyone with insights is urged on by Nixle to contact Deputy C. Lajuj at the Victor Valley Sheriff's Station by dialing 760-552-6800.
