The California Highway Patrol assisted state Board of Equalization investigators in serving a search warrant Tuesday afternoon at the ARCO gas station on the corner of Monterey Road and Cochrane Avenue, according to an officer at the scene.
Two CHP vehicles blocked the main entrance to the gas station at about 12:30 p.m., while yellow police tape was used to prevent entry into the ARCO facility, which includes a drive-in car wash, from two other entrance points. One unmarked BOE vehicle was parked in front of the convenience store portion of the gas station, which is located at 18605 Monterey Road.
Inside the store, a BOE investigator, as well as two CHP officers, were speaking with employees.
“There is nothing criminal going on. They are just serving a search warrant,” said a BOE investigator standing outside the storefront of the Arco.
The BOE collects California state sales and use tax, as well as fuel, alcohol, and tobacco taxes and fees that provide revenue for state government and essential funding for counties, cities, and special districts.
A BOE official did not immediately know the details of the search, but updates will follow as they are available.