Deputies: Man dumped fuel into storm drain

Deputies say a Bonita Springs man polluted a local stormwater drainage system with diesel fuel.

Nicolas Velasquez, 40, of 26291 Cape Verde Lane, was arrested Thursday afternoon after Bonita Springs Code Enforcement officials told deputies they saw him pour diesel fuel from a metal bowl into the storm sewer at the Shell Gas station, 10460 Bonita Beach Road, in Bonita Springs.

Nicolas Velasquez

According to Lee County sheriff' reports, Bonita Springs Code Enforcement Supervisor Frank Cassidy saw Velasquez take what appeared to be diesel fuel from his truck into a metal bowl, and then pour it from the bowl into the storm drain. Cassidy said he saw him make at least two trips from his truck, dumping about three to four gallons.

The storm drain at that location goes into the Imperial River, Cassidy said.

The bowl had a greasy film on it, and smelled like petroleum. A test of the bowl by Bonita Springs Fire officials confirmed it was gasoline.

Velasquez did not comment to deputies, saying only that he did not wish to speak without his lawyer. He has been charged with willfully causing pollution that may injure human health or wildlife. He has since been released from the Lee County Jail on $2,500 bond.