Violence Breaks Out at SoCal Gas Pump (Doctor grabs a tire iron, got cut off in gas line at Costco)

KTLA.com ^ | 6/10/08 | KTLA News

[NormsRevenge]

CYPRESS -- Things are getting ugly at Southern California gas pumps, and we're not just talking about the record prices. Some drivers are turning to violence.

A doctor from La Palma was arrested Monday night after police say he grabbed a tire iron and threatened a driver who cut him off at a Costco gasoline station in Orange County.

According to witnesses, Dr. Antonio Reyes, 58, was among a crowd of motorists waiting in line at the pumps at the Costco on Katella Ave. around 5:40 p.m. when another vehicle cut in front of him. Apparently angry about being cut off, Reyes grabbed a tire iron out of his vehicle and confronted the driver, Sgt. Tom Bruce of the Cypress Police Department said.

Reyes says he only grabbed the tire iron after the other driver grabbed his shirt and shouted at him. He says he never intended to use it.

The other driver locked himself in his car and called police. No one was hurt.

Reyes was arrested and booked for investigation of brandishing a deadly weapon in a rude, angry or threatening manner, a misdemeanor. He was later released. No charges were filed against the other driver.

As gas prices continue to skyrocket, Costco-- known for providing discounts for members-- has seen an increase in crowds at its gasoline stations.

At times, 10 to 20 vehicles line up for a chance to cash in on the cheaper gas.

[Selmore]

It’s not too expensive. You just can’t afford it.

[oneamericanvoice]

Reyes was arrested and booked for investigation of brandishing a deadly weapon in a rude, angry or threatening manner, a misdemeanor. So if he would have brandished the tire iron in a friendly, peaceful manner, he wouldn't be arrested and booked?

[Loud Mime]

I live in La Palma.....1.7 sq. mi!

We made the news!!!!

[unkus]

$4.03 regular unleaded in Durango, CO

[WOBBLY BOB]

maybe he figured it could go up more while waiting in line.

now the doctor knows what we feel like waiting around to see him. I’m bringing a tire iron to my next appointment.

[DeaconRed]

I MISS JIMMAH

[oneamericanvoice]

I’m with the doctor. I don’t like jerk that cut me off from any line.

[mysterio]

People are angry. Most of the gas stations in my town switched to prepay only, which adds another bit of insult to injury.

[GSWarrior]

Get ready for price controls, even/odd day purchases, etc.

[BibChr]

Soon to return if Obama is elected.

Surely you're wrong.

You don't think our new Arab overlords would cut gas prices?

[Thrownatbirth]

The doctor was gonna get medical on his ass.

[LasVegasMac]

$4.33 for unleaded two days ago.

Was down there weekend before last, hotel was on same street....

Lots of places at $4.03 / .05.

Ah, the good ol days.......

[cripplecreek]

Well apparently he was gonna pop a hubcap in somebody’s ass.

[poobear]

“Try cutting here in Texas and you’ll get your a_s handed to you.”

Getting only your @ss handed to you in Texas for cutting in line is considered POLITE! God love you guys!

[savedbygrace]

$3.76 at lunch today for regular.

Did you order it as salad dressing or a cocktail?

;-)

[One_who_hopes_to_know]

Proper Response To Gas Station Line Cutters

• Remove locking gas cap from your own vehicle

• Remove line cutter's gas cap and replace with cap from your car

• Lock gas cap

• Drive away

[MD_Willington_1976]

not far behind you over here at WSU on the East side of WA... $4.07

[<1/1,000,000th%]

$4.299 up here in the left-wing NE part of the People’s Democratic Republic of Illinois.

In Chicago it’s higher.

[Crazieman]

Ingenius

[pabianice]

$4.04 here in the Democratic Socialist Workers Utopian Republic of Massachusetts.