DOWNEY – Two men attempting to steal diesel fuel Sunday instead caused a large fuel spill that took hours to clean up, police officials said. Police said they responded to a business at the 12200 block of Woodruff Avenue after a burglary alarm went off at about 4 p.m.

Two men were allegedly trying to siphon diesel fuel stored at the business when they were interrupted by the business owner.

The thieves fled and crashed their vehicle near the intersection of Bellflower and Washburn, spilling nearly 100 gallons of fuel onto the street, police said.

As of Monday morning, the alleged thieves were still on the loose.

Crews worked late into Sunday night to clean up the spilled diesel.

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Published: May 7, 2015 - Volume 14 - Issue 04