Staff Report
KYLE -- The Kyle Police Department arrested two men in separate gas skimming incidents that occurred this week.
At 5:04 p.m. on Saturday, April 23, officers responded to the 7-11 located at 19350 Interstate Highway 35, after an employee called to report two vehicles at the gas pumps, pumping gas into hidden compartments. The employee also noticed the individuals were using multiple gift cards to make numerous separate purchases, according to information provided by Kyle PD.
One vehicle left prior to the officers’ arrival, while one remained on scene. Austin resident, Miguel Angel Vidal Flores, 29, was arrested for Unlawful Use of Criminal Instrument, a third degree felony.
Then at 2:45 p.m. on Monday, April 25, officers responded back to the same 7-11, after another employee recognized similar behavior. The vehicle in this incident left prior to officers’ arrival, however an officer located the vehicle driving a short distance from the gas station.
When the officer initiated the traffic stop, he observed numerous gift cards being thrown out the window of the suspect vehicle. After the stop was made, officers retrieved the discarded gift cards, and the driver was subsequently arrested and charged with Unlawful Use of Criminal Instrument and Tampering with Physical Evidence, a third degree felony. The driver was identified as Austin resident Alberto Carlos Alonso Robina, 22.
Robina was also identified as the suspect in another gas theft at the same location in the previous week.
The investigation into both cases is ongoing and more charges are likely forthcoming, according to a news release. Any information concerning this or other related crimes should be directed to the Kyle Police Department at 512-268-3232.
