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Gas Gang Uses 'Never-Before-Seen' Device To Hack, Steal From Pumps

Officer Injured Trying To Stop 1 Of 5 Cars

POSTED: Tuesday, April 15, 2008
UPDATED: 3:02 pm EDT April 17, 2008

An elaborate organized theft ring is using a never-before-seen device to hack gas station pumps and steal unlimited amounts of gasoline in Central Florida, according to investigators in Casselberry.


IMAGES: Device Used To Hack Pumps
At least five cars filled with members of the alleged gas-pump hackers were spotted bypassing pumps at a Hess station located on 17-92 in Casselberry late Monday.

"One of the operatives (got) out and used a computerized device to bypass the pumps so they could pump an unlimited amount of gas into the vehicles," Casselberry police Lt. Dennis Stewart said.

Stewart said the officers were noticed watching the crime.

"The group uses spotters and one of the spotters discovered the officers and went over and stuck her head in a window to determine that they were officers," Stewart said.

The woman then signaled the other vehicles, police said.

Investigators said the group scattered, jumping into their vehicles and driving in different directions.

One vehicle remained and tried to run over an officer, police said.

"He wound up striking the officer in the ribs and arm, knocking him backward," Stewart said.

Nearby officers stopped the vehicle as it left the area and arrested Chelsea Harris, 19, and Rhyeen Brinson, 25. Both were charged with felonies.

The other people at the gas station are still missing.

"We'd love to get our hands on the equipment and right now, particularly with one of our officers hit, we'd love to get our hands on the people."

The officer injured in the incident was expected to recover from his injuries.

Casselberry police said they had never seen the device or technology used to steal gasoline.

Anyone with information concerning the crime is urged to call Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS.

Watch Local 6 News for more on this story.
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