[ETCM]

Crimo instead pumped the gas and fled...

I think the writer means he floored it and fled. "Pump the brakes" was once a common term and metaphor (often used after a woman asks you on the first date "So, how many kids do you want?). "Pump the gas", not so much. Maybe the reporter doesn't drive, and thinks pumping the accelerator makes you go faster...

[ifinnegan]

Thanks.

It’s a dumb way to write it but if he’s going to he should say “hit the gas”.