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The Cuban citizen Yuliesky La Rosa, 35 years old, was arrested in connection with an explosion that occurred on March 5th at a pipeline maintenance station in Reeves County, Texas, while he was allegedly attempting to steal crude oil alongside other suspects.
According to the Reeves County Sheriff's Office, on the night of the incident —around 11:30 p.m.— emergency crews responded to a massive explosion and a fire at a tank battery near Highway 285 and County Road 436, in the vicinity of Orla, Texas.
The site First Alert 7 reported that upon arriving at the scene, the agents found burning crude oil and two empty tanker trucks on site. The person in charge confirmed that all employees were safe and that no one else should have been present.
A preliminary investigation revealed that the truck drivers were attempting to steal product from a pipeline maintenance station, violating security protocols. The buildup of static electricity, combined with the high pressure of the system, caused the fire and subsequent explosion.
Arrest in Florida and serious charges
La Rosa was arrested on April 21 by the Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office in Florida and subsequently extradited to Texas, where he was placed in the Reeves County jail, reported the page Your Basin.
He has been formally charged with organized criminal activity, a first-degree felony in Texas, and remains in custody without bail, by order of Judge Roger Harrison.
Ongoing investigation
The case has been investigated by a coalition of state and federal agencies, including the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Texas Department of Public Safety, and the State Emergency Management Agency.
The authorities stated that the investigation remains open and that other suspects could be arrested in the coming days.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Arrest of Yuliesky La Rosa and the Oil Theft in Texas
Who is Yuliesky La Rosa and why was he arrested?
Yuliesky La Rosa is a 35-year-old Cuban citizen arrested for his alleged involvement in an explosion at a pipeline in Texas while attempting to steal crude oil. He was captured in Florida and extradited to Texas, where he faces charges of organized criminal activity.
What happened during the attempted oil theft in Texas?
On the night of March 5th, a massive explosion occurred at a pipeline maintenance station in Reeves County, Texas. The buildup of static electricity and the high pressure of the system caused a fire and the explosion, while the suspects attempted to steal crude oil, leaving two empty tank trucks at the site.
What charges does Yuliesky La Rosa face?
Yuliesky La Rosa faces charges of organized criminal activity, a first-degree felony in Texas. He remains in custody without bail as the investigation continues, and it is expected that more suspects may be arrested.
How is the case of the oil theft in Texas being investigated?
The case is being investigated by a coalition of state and federal agencies, including the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Texas Department of Public Safety. The investigation remains open and there may be more arrests in the coming days.
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