[SamLBInj]

Ind. man falls asleep while siphoning gas
The Associated Press
Published: Thursday, September 29, 2005
Updated: Thursday, September 29, 2005

MUNCIE, Ind. (AP) - A man was charged with theft after authorities said he fell asleep while siphoning gasoline into a 55-gallon tank.

The gas station manager called police after noticing the man's white van Tuesday.

Officers found him asleep inside the van next to a 55-gallon tank and a battery-operated pump. A hose from the pump led to the gas station's underground tank.

"That's a lot of gas," Police Chief Joe Winkle said. "I'm sure he felt like this would be a pretty good heist for himself."

Winkle said investigators were working to confirm the man's identity.

With regular unleaded at the station selling for $2.67, the tank would have held nearly $150 worth of fuel.