Springfield police have arrested two men in connection with the theft of cooking oil from a Route 22 business. The incident occurred on January 15, prompting an investigation into suspicious activity reported in the parking lot.
Upon arrival, officers discovered that cooking oil had been stolen from a storage container. A vehicle matching the suspect vehicle’s description was quickly located nearby by responding officers.
The driver, a 48-year-old Newark man, was found to be a fugitive from justice due to an outstanding criminal warrant in Pennsylvania. He was taken into custody on-site. The passenger, a 49-year-old man from Plainfield, was also arrested.
Both individuals face charges of theft of movable property and criminal mischief. The driver’s legal troubles are compounded by the Pennsylvania warrant, which law enforcement is addressing alongside the local charges.
Cooking oil theft has become an increasingly common crime, as used oil can be converted into biodiesel and sold for profit. Businesses storing cooking oil are encouraged to secure containers and report suspicious activity to authorities promptly.
This incident highlights the vigilance of Springfield police and their commitment to maintaining the safety and integrity of the community. For updates on this case and other local news, stay tuned to TAPinto Springfield.
