Posted on 06/10/2008 12:19:59 PM PDT by 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.
$3.74 for regular in Wichita, KS
Paid $4.09 in Michigan 3 days ago.
Definitely not worth driving out of your way or waiting in a long Costco line for. Not only will you idle away or drive off the fraction of a gallon that $2.55 gets you, but isn't your time worth more than that?
IMO, if the Doc really meant to hurt the a$$hat who cut in line in front of him he would have broken out a window or two and beat the jerk severely about the head a couple of times. The jerk must be a real wussie too! Down here in Savannah we wouldn’t try to hurt him with a tire iron, we would just light a cigarette and toss it to him while he was fueling his car. That really seems to get their attention for some reason.
Insane.....I have a 45 mile commute to work. The 90 mile round trip is killing me!!
$3.89 down at the corner shop.
How high will it go?
It's $3.99 here in Manhattan, KS. Apparently, it takes 25 cents a gallon to transport it a couple of hours further north.
I thought the article said the other driver WAS the police.
Like “say hello to my little friend”? Al Pacino/Scarface. :~)
BTW 4.299 for regular at Costco South San Francisco
I was figuring that the Doctor, so concerned about saving a few cents per gallon, probably left his car idling while in line....pretty much canceling any perceived cost savings.
diesel 4.79 here in Atlanta.
Yesterday evening- regular unleaded was between $3.93 and 3.96 per gallon.
E85 was $3.35
it’s not guns that kill people, it’s tire irons.
Better be quick because I seriously doubt the line cutter will stay in his car, altho nice idea
People were getting agitated far to easily. Its just a matter of time as prices climb before someone gets hurt over a what will be a trivial incident
Still $4.33. The doc should have gone to the Arco on Valley View, only $4.28. That extra nickel could have gonr for his legal fees.
$3.99/gal in NW Indiana today. $0.05 drop overnight.
Still $4.33. The doc should have gone to the Arco on Valley View, only $4.28. That extra nickel could have gone for his legal fees.
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