A 30-year-old man suspected of stealing gas from a pump at an ARCO station in Irwindale Wednesday was arrested.
Officers responded to the 15800 block of Arrow Highway, near Irwindale Avenue, around 9:34 a.m. Wednesday regarding suspicious activity involving a white van parked next to one of the fuel pumps, according to the Irwindale Police Department.
The suspect was identified by investigators as Palmdale resident Sargis Kocharyan, who was taken into custody and booked on suspicion of grand theft at the West Covina Police Department Jail.
“During the investigation, officers determined that the van posed a potential threat to public safety. Out of an abundance of caution, the business was temporarily closed to the public, and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Bomb Squad was called to assist,” police said in a statement.
The vehicle was determined safe after being investigated by the bomb squad and business resumed operation around 1:15 p.m.
“The Irwindale Police Department remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of our community and will continue to provide updates as the investigation progresses,” police said.
Anyone with information regarding the alleged theft was urged to contact Detective Luz Aguilar at 626-430-2239 or laguilar@irwindaleca.gov. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or visit lacrimestoppers.org.