SchoolBus logo in red and orange
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Man arrested in theft of 500 gallons of school bus fuel

In Ripon, Calif., police catch a man allegedly in the act of stealing more than $2,000 worth of fuel from a storage tank used by school buses. The suspect reportedly had a trailer with hoses and pumping equipment for fast siphoning.

August 8, 2013
1 min to read


RIPON, Calif. — Police here caught a man allegedly in the act of stealing more than $2,000 worth of fuel used for school buses.

Local news sources reported that just before 1 a.m. on Wednesday, the Ripon Police Department got a call about a theft in progress at Ripon High School. When officers arrived, they found a white truck with a large trailer next to the fuel storage tank at the school.

Ad Loading...

The Record reported that in the trailer, police said they found hoses and pumping equipment for fast siphoning, about 500 gallons of fuel and a man in hiding, Joe Henry Leonardo Sr. Leonardo was arrested on suspicion of felony grand theft.

School starts next Wednesday for Ripon Unified School District.

Similar fuel thefts have hit some school districts in Texas recently. Authorities in Nacogdoches said last month that thieves had stolen diesel and gasoline — several hundred gallons at a time — from four districts in the area.

More Management

Screenshots of the Here Comes The Bus mobile app displayed on smartphones, showing login screen, real-time bus tracking map, map legend, activities list, and a digital bus pass with QR code.
Managementby News/Media ReleaseFebruary 12, 2026

CalAmp Launches Next-Generation Parent App

CalAmp’s updated Here Comes The Bus app introduces enhanced safety controls, streamlined parent onboarding, and expanded features to improve visibility and communication around student transportation.

Read More →
The Route thumbnail with school bus fleet logo
SponsoredFebruary 11, 2026

70 Years, 100 Episodes: The Stories Behind Decades of School Busing

It’s a celebration and a blast from the past in this special anniversary episode of The Route. Take a walk through major industry moments, milestones, and the people who shaped it with some faces you haven’t seen in a while! The Route is sponsored by IC Bus.

Read More →
Graphic labeled “Legislative Roundup” featuring a school bus illustration in front of the U.S. Capitol dome with the School Bus Fleet logo in the corner.
Managementby News/Media ReleaseFebruary 10, 2026

School Bus Laws to Watch: Stop-Arm Cameras, Safety Retrofits & Driver Shortage Fixes

From Maine bus safety upgrades to stop-arm camera bills, electric bus funding, and an Alabama workforce solution, here’s the latest in school bus legislation across the U.S.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Amanda Huggett sits smiling in front of a row of yellow school buses beside a graphic reading “School Bus Fleet Monthly Cheat Sheet: Top News & Updates – January 2026,” promoting an industry news recap video.
Managementby Amanda HuggettFebruary 9, 2026

Safety Stories, State Legislation, OEM Moves & Love the Bus: January 2026 School Bus News Recap

Missed any of last month’s industry news? We got you. Reporting from Minneapolis, here’s your quick recap of updates from Waymo's controversy, technology, and safety legislation across the U.S.

Read More →
school bus driver with student
SponsoredFebruary 9, 2026

How Supplemental Transportation Helps Close Driver Gaps

Ongoing driver shortages nationwide are forcing tough transportation decisions. See how districts are using supplemental transportation to maintain coverage for high-needs students.

Read More →
Children run toward a stopped yellow school bus on a residential street as a graphic overlay reads “School Bus Fleet Biz Briefs” with the date February 9, 2026, promoting an industry business news roundup.
Managementby Staff and News ReportsFebruary 7, 2026

School Bus Business Briefs: School Grants, New Contracts & Revenue Growth

In school bus tech and vendor updates, check in on news from EverDriven, Gatekeeper, Fleetio, Transfinder, RIDE, and new district partnerships.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A red and orange personnel roundup graphic with text reading "Changing Lanes."
Managementby Elora HaynesFebruary 4, 2026

Changing Lanes: EverDriven, ADROIT, DeVivo Companies, School Bus Logistics, Zum, & Dorman

Check out some of the latest personnel moves from across the school bus industry, including new leadership appointments, various promotions, and major restructuring.

Read More →
parked school buses
SponsoredFebruary 3, 2026

From Damage Control to Decision Partner: Transportation's Role in School Closures & Redistricting

School closures are inevitable, but transportation chaos doesn’t have to be. Learn how modern routing technology helps districts model closure scenarios before board votes turn into crises.

Read More →
Graphic reading “It’s Launch Day! Behind SBF’s New Website” with a desktop and mobile preview of the redesigned School Bus Fleet website on an orange and cream background.
Managementby StaffFebruary 3, 2026

School Bus Fleet, Refreshed: New Website, New Look, Same Commitment

A cleaner layout, improved organization, and a better reading experience are here. Explore what’s new on schoolbusfleet.com!

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A red and orange graphic with text reading "Representation Matters in School Transportation Leadership."
ManagementFebruary 3, 2026

Why Representation Matters in Transportation Leadership

A firsthand look at how diverse leadership in school transportation builds trust and drives stronger systems.

Read More →