Wisconsin State Patrol: Van packed with stolen fuel uncovered in Oak Creek

OAK CREEK -- Police flagged a potential hazardous materials situation when they came upon a van filled with 15 plastic drums of fuel -- roughly 300 gallons -- at the Kwik Trip gas station near 13th Street and Ryan Road in Oak Creek on Jan. 29.

A Wisconsin State Patrol motor carrier inspector was called to the gas station around 9:30 p.m., where the van was located. The vehicle's rear seats were removed -- and in the back were the drums with the fuel.

Officials said in a Facebook post the fuel was stolen from several gas stations across the state (using stolen credit cards) as the van traveled back to Chicago, Illinois.

Stolen fuel found in van headed for Chicago (Credit: Oak Creek Police Department)

The Wisconsin State Patrol inspector worked with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and a hazardous materials crew to clean up and properly dispose of the fuel.

Stolen fuel found in van headed for Chicago (Credit: Oak Creek Police Department)