Midland County Deputies Make Second Arrest in Recent Crude Oil Theft Incidents

On January 28, 2024, Midland County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Deputies responded to a report of petroleum theft near FM 1213 and ECR 130 in Midland County. An unauthorized tractor truck, hauling a water tanker, was reported to have entered an oilfield lease and was taking crude oil from a tank battery without the consent of the oilfield company.

Deputies successfully located the suspected tractor truck and conducted a traffic stop. The driver, identified as 52-year-old Azael Camacho, was found to be in possession of approximately 175 barrels of stolen crude oil. Following the investigation, Camacho was arrested and booked into the Midland County Central Detention Center on a third-degree felony charge of Theft of Petroleum Product.

This incident marks the second arrest for crude oil theft in Midland County in a week. On January 22, 2024, another individual was arrested with 34 barrels of stolen crude oil in their truck.

The investigation into both cases is ongoing.