Florida troopers recover 2 stolen semis hauling tires and batteries; driver flees
A Georgia theft alert led Florida investigators to stolen trucks and cargo in St. Johns County. An arrest report details the recovery and two grand theft charges. The post Florida troopers recover 2 stolen semis hauling tires and batteries; driver flees appeared first on FreightWaves .
Florida law enforcement recovered two stolen tractor-trailers carrying tires and lithium-ion batteries on September 14 near St. Johns County. Two drivers were involved in the theft: Eugenio Gonzalez-Merlo, 42, from Jacksonville, and an unidentified suspect who escaped on foot. The Georgia State Patrol had alerted Florida's Cargo Theft Task Force about the stolen tire shipment traveling south on Interstate 95.
Detective James Smith identified the white Hyundai trailer with distinct markings and matched it to a stolen vehicle registration. Investigators observed a mismatched plate leading to diesel pumps and discovered an International tractor pulling the Hyundai behind a Freightliner hauling green intermodal equipment. Both vehicles continuously changed lanes together.
Gonzalez-Merlo was arrested at the scene, while the other driver fled on foot. Authorities confirmed theft reports from Effingham County, Jacksonville sheriff’s officials, and Liberty investigators, confirming the identification of all stolen equipment and tires. Gonzalez-Merlo faces two first-degree grand theft charges and drug possession, and remains presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
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