MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA — A bizarre attempted theft in Central Florida has drawn attention after authorities say a man tried to steal a full-size septic tank from a construction site using a Toyota Corolla, only to return the next day with a rented moving truck to finish the job.
The unusual incident took place in Dunnellon, Florida, where deputies say the suspect targeted a construction site located along Highway 40 in Marion County.
According to investigators, the suspect — identified as Alfio Nocifora — first attempted to haul away the massive septic tank using his 2013 Toyota Corolla, a plan that quickly proved unrealistic.
Attempted Theft With a Sedan
Authorities say Nocifora arrived at the construction site and attempted to load the large septic tank onto the roof of his sedan. Investigators noted that the suspect even placed a blanket over the car, apparently hoping it would protect the vehicle or help stabilize the heavy tank.
However, the attempt quickly ran into a major problem: the septic tank was simply far too large and heavy to be lifted onto the small passenger vehicle.Despite the effort, the tank remained where it was.
Suspect Flees After Being Spotted
During the attempted theft, a passing vehicle reportedly drove by the area.
Investigators say the suspect panicked after noticing the vehicle and quickly left the scene in the Corolla, abandoning the plan and leaving the septic tank sitting where it was.
For most cases, that might have been the end of the story. But according to authorities, the situation did not end there.
Suspect Returns With U-Haul Truck
Deputies say the suspect returned to the construction site the following day, this time with a rented U-Haul truck.
With the larger vehicle, he was able to load the septic tank up a ramp and place it inside the moving truck. Investigators also reported that the suspect loaded approximately $2,500 worth of electrical pipe into the vehicle during the incident.
Authorities say the suspect attempted to conceal his identity by taping over the license plate and the U-Haul identification number.
Deputies Track Suspect to Citrus County
Law enforcement officials later tracked the suspect down in Citrus County, where he was located and arrested.
According to authorities, Nocifora is now facing several charges related to the incident, including:
- Grand theft
- Unlawful use of a two-way device
- Intentionally obscuring a license plate during the commission of a crime
Investigators say surveillance footage from the construction site helped identify the suspect and piece together the unusual chain of events.
An Unusual Crime That Drew Attention
While thefts from construction sites are not uncommon, deputies say the unusual method involved in this case — attempting to transport a septic tank using a compact car — made the situation particularly memorable.
In the end, authorities say the suspect’s plan quite literally “went down the drain,” leading to his arrest after investigators tracked him across county lines. The strange incident has since become one of the more unusual crime stories to emerge from Marion County, highlighting the importance of surveillance and quick investigative work by local deputies.
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