Man arrested for diesel theft, collision with HCSO vehicle and escape

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a man for stealing diesel fuel and striking a deputy’s vehicle while fleeing the scene.

On July 20, 2024 at 3:43 a.m., officers observed 24-year-old Kiusler Perez Ortiz at a closed Mobil gas station on Hillsborough Avenue. His vehicle was parked on the filler opening of an underground diesel tank.

When officers attempted to speak with Ortiz, he refused to comply with their commands, briefly put the vehicle in reverse, and then rapidly accelerated forward, striking the rear of an unmarked HCSO vehicle and nearly striking an officer.

Officers pursued Ortiz on Hillsborough Avenue into Pinellas County and he was eventually arrested in a wooded area off Sunray Drive.

During the subsequent investigation, it was determined that Ortiz had siphoned 93 gallons of diesel fuel from the underground fuel tank when officers responded.

Ortiz is accused of:

• Serious bodily harm with a deadly weapon against a police officer
• Escape from high speed
• Reckless driving
• Damage to property $1,000 or more
• Attached tag not assigned
• Resist without violence

Additional charges may apply.

“I am glad that our deputies are safe and were able to prevent any harm from this man who obviously did not want to be arrested,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “Our patrol officers quickly resolved this explosive situation and can be very proud of their efforts this morning.G.”

The following booking photo is from an arrest in June 2024. A new booking photo will be provided upon request when it is available.

This investigation is active; all updates will come from the Office of Public Information.