PHOENIX — Reports of a man stealing gasoline lead Phoenix police to a man who allegedly stole a pre-school van, according to court documents.
Phoenix police report that on January 2, they responded to a business near 24th Street and Buckeye Road for reports of a man stealing gasoline from parked vehicles.
Witnesses reportedly told police they saw someone drive away in a van with the logo 'Rise and Shine Academy.' Officers were advised that the van was reported stolen from the pre-school.
Police allegedly found the van about two miles away from the business and pulled the driver over. The driver, identified as 33-year-old Randy Lee Blackburn, was arrested by police.
Blackburn allegedly admitted to stealing the gas because the van ran out, police say. Police also say Blackburn reportedly told them he thought the van might have been stolen.
According to police, a plastic hose was found inside the van along with a plastic jug of gasoline.
Blackburn has been charged with vehicle theft and possession of burglary tools.
