2 men busted in Cobb for stealing 1,500 gallons of diesel

Cobb police have arrested two men in connection with an elaborate diesel fuel stealing operation.

Douglas Eriquezzo, 36 of Woodstock, and Tommy McKenzie, 34 of Harlan, Ky., were arrested Monday morning after being caught with 1,500 gallons of top-grade diesel fuel in a moving truck. Eriquezzo and McKenzie allegedly used a generator to siphon fuel from diesel trucks according to Cobb detectives.

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Cobb police

Detectives found 1,500 gallons of diesel fuel stored in a moving truck.

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Police believe the men were selling the fuel — valued at $6,000 — to small business owners.

A witness saw the two men siphoning fuel from a tractor-trailer parked at a business on Cobb Place Boulevard near Barrett Parkway in Kennesaw and confronted them.

The witness called police who began looking for a white Penske rental truck, said Police spokeswoman Officer Cassie Reece.

After catching the suspects, detectives discovered 1,500 gallons of diesel fuel stored in large clear containers. Detectives have been able to link the two men to five additional thefts in the county. They have returned about 775 gallons of the fuel to business owners who reported having fuel stolen.

The suspects were charged with criminal trespass, theft, transporting of hazardous materials without a license, entering autos and possession of marijuana. They have been released on bond.

Any business owner who believes they have been a victim of fuel theft should contact police at 770-499-3927.