Troopers from Florida raided a truck stop in St. Johns County and arrested a 42-year-old Jacksonville man after seizing two stolen tractor-trailers loaded with tires and lithium-ion batteries. Another driver managed to escape on foot.
The recovery came after a September 14 operation detailed in an arrest report by the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP).
The investigation began when Georgia State Patrol tipped off Florida’s Cargo Theft Task Force about a shipment of stolen tires heading south on Interstate 95. Photos released by investigators showed distinctive markings on the white Hyundai trailer that was carrying the shipment.
Detective James Smith saw equipment matching those descriptions near mile marker 334 at about 7:30 p.m. But a check on the license plate of the trailer found it was registered to a different manufacturer, which led investigators to the trucks.
Diesel pumps cause a plate that is not compatible
Smith spotted an International with a Hyundai trailer behind a Freightliner with green intermodal equipment. The two truck combinations had been “always changing lanes together” when both drivers got off Interstate 95 and onto County Road 210.
The trucks then turned east to the diesel pumps at the TA Travel Center.
Troopers stopped Gonzalez-Merlo’s International and took him into custody in a marked patrol vehicle. The Freightliner driver fled on foot while being detained. Officers searched the surrounding area but were unable to find the second suspect.
The investigators then ran the identification numbers on the vehicles and equipment through stolen-property records.
Effingham County deputies confirmed theft of an International tractor and a green intermodal trailer. Jacksonville sheriff’s officials confirmed the Freightliner also was reported stolen. Liberty investigators confirmed records that identified the white Hyundai trailer.
Then, recovery notices were issued to each of the agencies involved in the investigation.
Count of stolen equipment, tires
The FHP charged Gonzalez-Merlo with two counts of first degree grand theft. One charge was for the stolen equipment and another for automobile tires valued at $100,000 or more, the arrest report said.
Investigators also filed a charge of drug possession.
Jail staff booked Gonzalez-Merlo at 1:04 a.m. Sept. 15. He has been charged with crimes, but he is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.”
Why it’s important
The recovery shows how small things can help investigators track down stolen freight. Here the stolen trucks were located using photos of distinctive trailer markings, a difference in registration and equipment identification numbers.
The case also serves as a reminder to carriers, shippers and other freight professionals to maintain accurate shipment and equipment records, especially when authorities need to distinguish legitimate equipment from stolen assets during cargo theft investigations.
