Franklin County sheriff's detectives are investigating a gas-theft scheme after finding a van equipped to siphon fuel from underground tanks.
The van was discovered after it was reported as a suspicious vehicle, Undersheriff Kevin Carle said.
When deputies went to check it out, they found it had a large tank in the back and siphoning tubes set up in the bottom, he said.
Investigators suspect the van was designed to be parked over the underground tanks, then the thieves could remove the tank lid and easily siphon the fuel into the van unnoticed, he said.
Carle said it's not clear if the van has been used in the area, but similar thefts have occurred in Yakima.
One man was arrested on an unrelated driving offense. The case remains under investigation.
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