Brooklyn NY Men Caught in Alleged Cooking Oil Caper

Two Brooklyn NY men were arrested and each charged with sixth degree larceny, trespassing and conspiracy on Wednesday, Dec. 19, after they were allegedly caught stealing cooking oil from an outdoor container at Bistro Latino on East Putnam Avenue in Riverside.

Police said an officer on patrol noticed a white box truck with New York plates at the restaurant at about 3:48 a.m. When the officer investigated, he saw a man standing at the rear of the truck who said he was there "to take the oil," according to a police report. The man was identified as Denghui You, 36, of 817 45th St., Brooklyn, NY.

Police said a second subject, Ming Zhi Lu, 36, of 6307 18th Ave., Brooklyn, was seen walking nearby on Ferris Drive. Police said Lu was identified as the registered owner of the box truck.

Police said the owner of Bistro Latino informed them that he did not know You and Lu, nor did he give anyone permission to remove the oil from the back of the restaurant.

You and Lu posted $250 bonds and each is scheduled to appear in court on Dec. 27.