Rodolfo Molina Conde is accused of stealing the fuel from a station at Pines Boulevard and 64th Avenue, according to a police report. Investigators say he placed a magnet on the pump to fool it into continuing to dispense fuel after the sale had stopped. The pump display showed $20, but diesel kept flowing into what the arrest report described as a "ridiculously large, self-made tank" secured to the bed of his truck. The container appeared to be welded together from rusted steel plates.

The stolen diesel was valued at more than $700. Last month, Molina was accused of stealing about $950 worth of fuel, also using a makeshift tank, according to the report.

After leaving the Broward County jail, Molina declined to answer questions, telling reporters only, "Don't shoot video of my face."

The case is drawing attention to the dangers of transporting fuel in unapproved containers. Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue Chief Steve Gollan warned that such practices put not only the driver at risk but everyone nearby.

"That risk isn't just for the individuals in that vehicle; the risk is for everyone around that vehicle," Gollan said. "Should that vehicle get into an accident between point A and point B, all of that fuel could cause an explosion."

The theft highlights a growing concern for local gas stations, which have reported similar schemes in which magnets or other devices are used to override pump controls. Police have not said whether Molina is suspected in other incidents.

Molina's arrest adds to a string of fuel theft cases in South Florida, where rising diesel prices have made such crimes more lucrative. Authorities continue to urge station owners to report suspicious activity and to check pumps for tampering.