Ind. police officer arrested on gas-theft charge

WEST TERRE HAUTE, Ind. — A western Indiana police officer faces theft charges for allegedly using a department-issued gas card multiple times to buy gas for his personal truck and his girlfriend’s sport-utility vehicle.

The Tribune-Star reports that West Terre Haute police officer Lt. Mark J. Arnold surrendered Monday on six counts of felony theft. He was released from the Vigo County Jail after posting bond.

The State Board of Accounts had found a spike in police department gas consumption and alleged misuse of a gas card assigned to Arnold.

Further investigation by state police found that Arnold allegedly bought gasoline for his personal truck, his girlfriend’s SUV and a portable gas can on multiple occasions.

Twenty-three questionable fuel purchases were found and five of those totaling about $270 were captured on video surveillance.