Gas stolen from underground tanks

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - A West Michigan couple are accused of stealing hundreds of gallons of gas from several area gas stations, and trading it for drugs and money.

Authorities say in October and December 2012, Jamie Hardie and Rebecca Jo Ryan parked a Dodge Caravan over the top of various gas station fill ports. Similar in appearance to a manhole cover, gasoline delivery trucks use the ports to fill underground tanks that feed the pumps.

Ryan would pretend that the van had broken down. Inside the van, Hardie would open a trap door and lower a hose into the tank. Using a hand pump, he would fill 55-gallon drums with fuel.

According to a search warrant, one gas station in Kent County's Cannon Township told authorities the van was there on three consecutive days. By comparing what was in the underground tank to receipts, that station alone found it was robbed of 950 gallons.

Authorities say it is possible there are other stations that are still unaware of gas thefts.

Kent County Undersheriff Jon Hess told 24 Hour News 8 Monday he has never heard of gas thefts happening quite this way.

"Certainly siphoning gas from a car in a parking lot, we have that happen, and stealing gas by driving off. But I can't remember a case where someone took it from the actual delivery point, which is pretty dangerous," Hess said.

Police said the pair traded the gas for cash and drugs.

Hardie was lodged in the Kent County jail on 11 charges. Along with the charges related to the thefts, he is also charged with the possession of narcotics.

Ryan is free on bond and awaiting her next court hearing.

There are other charges pending in Wyoming, and Michigan State Police also has cases against the pair.