Driver and vehicle were at gas station

CHOWCHILLA - A tip from the owners of a stolen tractor-trailer truck resulted in the arrest of the driver and the recovery of the 1999 Freightliner and its 53-foot trailer.

California Highway Patrol officers of the Madera district received a report Friday night that the stolen truck was seen in Fresno, and that it later was seen being driven northbound on State Route 99 just after midnight.

After finding the truck at the Shell gas station in Chowchilla on Robertson Boulevard, CHP officers arrested Charles M. Howard II, 42, of Manteca, on two counts of vehicle theft and one charge of embezzlement.

CHP Sgt. Michael Donnelly said the Madera owners of the truck had reported it and its cargo as stolen about a week ago.

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