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Three nabbed for gas station heists
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Three people were arrested Monday in connection with a series of thefts at Turlock gas stations.

The three individuals, identified as husband and wife Timothy and Brandi Drake, both 45 years old and from Turlock, and Gerald Rue, 40, of Keyes were charged with grand theft and felony vandalism for allegedly stealing the cash boxes from three gas station pay stations.

The three thefts were reported at Arco stations on Fulkerth Road, Lander Avenue and W. Main Street. Two thefts were reported Friday and one was reported Sunday. All the thefts happened during the early morning hours.

At one of the gas stations a Turlock police officer was able to review video surveillance that gave a clear view of the vehicle used in the thefts and one suspect, said Turlock Police spokesperson Officer Mayra Lewis.

Later, on an unrelated call, the officer spotted the vehicle and recognized the driver as one of the suspects, Lewis said. The driver was later identified as Timothy Drake.

The vehicle was pulled over in the area of Fulkerth and Washington roads around 5:30 a.m. Monday.

A subsequent search of the vehicle turned up evidence linking the three individuals to the thefts, Lewis said.

Several thousands of dollars were taken in the three thefts, according to the police department.

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information about the thefts is asked to contact Turlock Police Detective Jason Tosta at 664-7324.