Deputies investigating abandoned van loaded with 300 gallons of fuel

The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an abandoned van after finding 300 gallons of fuel inside of it.

The van was parked at the Placida Boat ramp at 6499 Boca Grande Causeway.

A deputy discovered the Transit van and another vehicle disabled on Placida Road just after midnight.

As the deputy pulled over to assist the van pulled off and was located in the boat ramp parking lot.

Inside the van, there were 20 15-gallon drums full of fuel totaling 300 gallons.

Englewood fire is on scene due to the hazardous contents.

Charlotte County deputies are investigating the scene.

Detectives spent half of the day collecting evidence hoping to find out who owns the van.

“I was like, wow, what’s going on over here,” said Gary Brookins, of Punta Gorda. “I didn’t know if somebody passed away in the van or something.”

Nobody died.

“That’s a lot of fuel for a little van,” said Bobby Morton, of Charlotte County.

“It definitely raises my eyebrows makes me think oh, what could this guy be doing with it,” said Anthony Montana, of Charlotte County. “It could be something completely normal where he was picking up some fuel and driving it around or something happened.”

They are asking community members in the area of Placida and the Barrier Islands to report any suspicious activity.

“I’m just glad sheriff’s department did their job and stopped it,” Brookins said.