Parolee Suspected of Stealing Gas, Battery of Hospital Guards

A convicted felon suspected of siphoning gas out of cars in a parking lot was taken into custody Wednesday after becoming physically violent with security guards, police said.

Elias Adamakis, 26, of Murrieta, had allegedly been seen taking gas out of vehicles on other occasions, too, but had never been caught, said Murrieta police Sgt. Don Weller.

Murrieta police officers responded to the medical center at about 2:18 p.m. Wednesday after getting reports of a disturbance in the employee parking lot, Weller said.

Officers learned that the security guards had "struggled, wrestled and physically restrained" Adamakis, Weller said, as he was trying to escape being caught.

"A records check on Adamakis revealed he is on active parole for theft-related charges," Weller said.

Adamakis was arrested on suspicion of felony second degree robbery, tampering with a vehicle, battery and felony parole violation.

Adamakis was later booked into the Southwest Detention Center, where he was being held on no bail.

"The would like to remind our community to be especially vigilant during the upcoming holiday season and do not hesitate to contact the police if they witness anything suspicious," Weller said.

Those with additional information regarding the investigation were asked to call the on-duty watch commander at 951-696-3615. Tips can also be provided anonymously through “We Tip” at 1-800-78-CRIME.