October 30, 2024
On October 18th Officer Godkin with the Williston Police Department observed a suspicious van parked in a closed gas station parking lot. He witnessed the van hastily exit the parking lot as he drove past. Within moments the vehicle accelerated to speeds in excess of the posted speed limits which prompted Officer Godkin’s attempt to stop him. The vehicle fled and ultimately the driver abandoned the vehicle, fleeing on foot into a nearby subdivision.
LCSO deputies responded to the call to assist Officer Godkin. Deputy Morris, as he approached the scene, observed a vehicle brake abruptly and witnessed a subject exit the woods and enter the car. This car was stopped and the driver and passenger were detained.
Detective Barrera responded to assist and the following investigation revealed the passenger, identified as Livan Olano Darias (6/23/99) of Miami was the driver of the van who fled from Officer Godkin and was arrested. The investigation determined that Darias was attempting to steal diesel fuel from the in ground tank of the gas station. The van he abandoned was modified for this purpose. The van had a hole cut into the floor, approximately 400 gallons of onboard fuel storage and high flow pumps to extract the fuel from the ground tank. This arrest has not ended the investigation.
Detective Barrera has been in contact with Marion County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Department of Agriculture and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Thus far, more than 14 cases of fuel theft from multiple counties south of Levy County are being associated to this group. Darias was charged with multiple felonies but has posted a $27,500 bond and released. Additional warrants for his arrest are expected to be issued as this investigation continues. The driver of the vehicle who picked up Darias was identified and warrants for his arrest have been issued.
We urge our citizens to be observant of suspicious vehicles and promptly report any they see to the appropriate law enforcement agency.