BEVERLY — The Beverly Police Department arrested an adult and two juveniles Saturday morning in connection with the theft of used cooking oil from two Cabot Street businesses.
JASSIEL BENITEZ DIAZ, 18, a 17-YEAR-OLD MALE JUVENILE, and a 16-YEAR-OLD MALE JUVENILE, all of WORCESTER, were each charged with:
- Larceny From a Building (Two Counts)
- Receiving Stolen Property Over $1,200
- Use of a Motor Vehicle in a Felony/Larceny
BENITEZ DIAZ was additionally charged with Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle.
On Saturday, Oct. 10, at approximately 7 a.m., officers responded to a restaurant at 20 Cabot St. following a report that individuals were stealing used cooking oil from a storage container outside the business.
A neighbor had observed suspicious activity and alerted the business owner, who reviewed surveillance footage remotely and called police.
Officers arrived to find three individuals handling a large hose beside a rental van parked on Cox Court. Inside the van, officers observed a pump and three large liquid storage tanks.
Following an on-scene investigation, officers arrested all three individuals and transported them to the Beverly Police station.
The preliminary investigation indicates the individuals removed used cooking oil from storage containers at two nearby businesses, including a restaurant at 24 Cabot St.
The Beverly Fire Department also responded to inspect the van and its contents and contain a spill. The van was towed from the scene.
Used cooking oil has resale value and is collected by companies for recycling into products such as biofuel. Police estimate the recovered cooking oil was worth approximately $2,750.
“I want to recognize the neighbor who noticed something suspicious and alerted the business owner, who then called police,” said Chief John G. LeLacheur. “That quick action helped our officers respond while the individuals were still there, resulting in three arrests.”
These are allegations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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