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Lodi Today
By the People, for the People
Las Vegas Man Accused of Stealing 500 Gallons of Diesel from Lodi Gas Station
Suspect allegedly used crowbar to break into pump and pump fuel into hidden tanks in his truck, causing $10,000 in damages
Mar. 22, 2026 at 6:38pm
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A 45-year-old Las Vegas man named Antonio Chirno has been arrested and charged with grand theft for allegedly stealing 500 gallons of diesel fuel from a gas station in Lodi, California. Chirno is accused of using a crowbar to break into the gas pump and pump the fuel into hidden tanks in his truck, causing $10,000 in damages to the station. The theft was reported by a customer who noticed Chirno had been at the station for an unusually long time.
Why it matters
This incident highlights the growing problem of fuel theft in California as gas and diesel prices continue to surge to record highs. Fuel theft has become an increasingly common crime, with thieves targeting gas stations and commercial vehicles to steal large quantities of fuel to resell on the black market. This case underscores the need for better security measures at gas stations and the broader economic challenges facing California drivers.
The details
According to police, Chirno allegedly used a crowbar to break into the gas pump at the Lodi station and then pumped 500 gallons of diesel fuel into hidden tanks in his truck. The theft was reported by a customer who became suspicious after seeing Chirno at the station for an unusually long time. When police arrived, they were able to access the hidden tanks and recover the stolen fuel. However, the break-in caused an estimated $10,000 in damages to the station.
- The incident occurred on March 22, 2026.
The players
Antonio Chirno
A 45-year-old man from Las Vegas who has been charged with grand theft for allegedly stealing 500 gallons of diesel fuel from a gas station in Lodi, California.
Kludt Oil and Propane
The gas station in Lodi, California where the fuel theft occurred, resulting in $10,000 in damages.
Michael Kludt
The owner of Kludt Oil and Propane, the gas station that was targeted by the fuel theft.
What they’re saying
“Once they opened up the door panel, they got in and had access to all the electrical. It probably took about five minutes to split the wires and take the gas.”
— Michael Kludt, Owner, Kludt Oil and Propane
“He goes, 'I've been here a while, and this guy has been here quite before I was here,' so it just didn't add up to him.”
— Michael Kludt, Owner, Kludt Oil and Propane
“We're looking at right now, probably about $10,000.”
— Michael Kludt, Owner, Kludt Oil and Propane
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Antonio Chirno out on bail.
The takeaway
This incident underscores the growing problem of fuel theft in California as gas and diesel prices continue to surge to record highs. It highlights the need for better security measures at gas stations and the broader economic challenges facing California drivers as they struggle with skyrocketing fuel costs.
