GAS THIEF HITS FLORIDA POLICE OFFICER DURING ESCAPE IN CASSELBERRY

Five cars were lined up at the pumps stealing gas at the Hess station on 17-92. Two people were caught after a short chase, but several others got away.

The thieves could have stolen as much as 95 gallons of gas. Now undercover detectives are adding gas stations to their patrols.

"I think it's wrong, it's outrageous and something needd to be done about it," said driver Rae Stewart.

Casselberry police said the thieves ran a sophisticated scheme at the Hess gas station. Investigators said they parked a big truck to block the clerk's line of sight. Then they used a special mechanical device that allows them to pump unlimited gas. "I can't blame anybody for robbing anybody. At that price, the gas stations are robbing us," said driver Mike Baker.

Five cars were waiting to fill up, but took off when an officer began to take down license plates. Chelsea Harris, 19, and her passenger, Ryheen Brinson, were pulled over in a white Chrysler minutes later. The gas cap on their car was still hanging open.

Investigators are trying to track down the other members of the gas-theft ring and the driver of a pickup who hit and injured an undercover officer. Casselberry police are specifically looking for the driver of a white Ford F-150. It was the second time this year gas thieves have been caught in Casselberry and one of several times in has happened in Central Florida.