Neillsville Police Department Makes Arrest in Gasoline Theft From Gross Motors

Tuesday, March 15th, 2022 -- 8:01 AM

On Thursday, March 10th, the Neillsville Police Department received a complaint from a business owner about the theft of gasoline from a motor vehicle.

Police responded and discovered a hole in the gas tank of an automobile parked in the service lot. After further investigation, police learned the theft of gasoline and criminal damage took place on Wednesday, March 9th at 8:09 p.m.

Police were able to obtain video footage and the description of the suspects’ vehicle. On Saturday, March 12th, police interviewed Alexander Drinka, 18, of rural Neillsville. When police interviewed Alexander, he identified a 15-year-old male from Neillsville as his accomplice.

Alexander said he drilled a hole into a vehicle’s gas tank when it was parked at Gross Motors, 124 West 7th Street, Neillsville. When Police asked Alexander how he transported the stolen gasoline from the scene, he said he dispensed it into empty soda and juice bottles he collected over time.

Police will be referring criminal charges to the Clark County District Attorney and Clark County Social Services.

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