Vandal Drains Fuel from Van Serving Students with Disabilities

Thief captured on video targeting California learning center's essential transport vehicle

Mar. 28, 2026 at 8:24pm

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A daring thief was captured on surveillance video as he targeted a California educational facility dedicated to individuals with intellectual disabilities, stealing gas from a transport van and causing significant disruption for nearly 200 students who rely on its services. Employees at the Diamond Learning Center in Clovis are expressing growing frustration after the suspect breached their gated parking area and siphoned fuel from one of their essential transport vans.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the vulnerability of community organizations that serve vulnerable populations, as well as the broader issue of fuel theft and its impact on essential services. The theft not only caused financial loss but also disrupted the daily routines of nearly 200 students who rely on the center's transportation.

The details

According to the footage, a man entered the lot around 5 p.m. on Sunday, directly approaching the vehicle with numerous gas containers, seemingly prepared to extract more fuel than he ultimately did. The suspect fled with a large red container, leaving behind two others, evidence that the theft was planned. Clovis Police confirmed a report was taken for three separate misdemeanors, including vehicle tampering, trespassing, and theft. While the stolen fuel was valued at roughly $40, the theft forced the school to reshuffle routes, delay pickups, and scramble to notify parents, throwing off entire school days for the 190 students who rely on the vans.

  • The incident occurred around 5 p.m. on Sunday, March 28, 2026.
  • Clovis Police received the report early Monday morning on March 29, 2026.

The players

Diamond Learning Center

A California educational facility dedicated to individuals with intellectual disabilities, providing essential transportation services for nearly 200 students.

Isaac Jimenez

The senior director of the Diamond Learning Center, who expressed frustration over the incident and warned the suspect not to return.

Clovis Police

The local law enforcement agency that is investigating the incident and urging anyone with information to come forward.

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What they’re saying

“When we arrived, one of the vans had clearly been tampered with—there was oil all over the ground, which was our first clue. Gas cans were left at the scene, and the gas had been taken.”

— Isaac Jimenez, Senior Director, Diamond Learning Center

“You got away with it once—you're not going to get away with it again.”

— Isaac Jimenez, Senior Director, Diamond Learning Center

What’s next

Clovis Police are continuing their investigation and urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward. Officials also recommend that drivers take precautions, such as locking gas caps and parking in secure areas, to prevent similar fuel thefts.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of protecting essential community services and the vulnerable populations they serve. The theft not only caused financial loss but also disrupted the daily routines of nearly 200 students, underscoring the need for increased security measures and community vigilance to prevent such incidents from occurring.