Stolen Truck Trailer With Toxic Chemicals Remains Missing

July 7, 2002

The trailer and attached cab were stolen from a fenced loading lot on Thursday.
MEDLEY — A truck trailer filled with almost a ton of hazardous chemicals has been stolen, prompting police to issue a nationwide warning.

The concentrated cleaning solvents in the trailer are "very caustic and toxic substances" said Medley Police Detective Jeanette Said on Friday. A police spokeswoman said Saturday the truck remained missing.

The trailer and attached cab were stolen from a fenced loading lot on Thursday. Police found the gate's lock cut.

Police discovered the cab ditched off Florida's Turnpike in Cutler Ridge, south of Miami.

While the concentrated household and industrial cleaning chemicals on the trailer aren't flammable and don't pose an inhalation risk, they are dangerous when they come in contact with skin.

"These (chemicals) are highly abrasive solvents that can cause pretty serious chemical burns," said Miami-Dade fire spokesman Jeff Hackman.

The alert was put out mainly to make officers aware of potential health risks when pulling over trailers.

Medley is in northwestern Miami-Dade County.
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