The Irvine Police Department, Orange County, released bodycam footage on 8/4 showing the arrest of a driver at a city gas station last week.
According to police, the unnamed man requested 55 USD worth of free gasoline from an attendant. When refused, he remained at the gas station, prompting staff to call the police.
"I truly believe that currency, as a means of payment, is not real," the man explained to police while sitting in his car.
Audi driver arrested for demanding free gasoline in Orange County. Video: Instagram/Irvinepolice
"Alright, you can believe that, buddy, but this is reality. If you want gas, you have to pay with cash or swipe your card. If you don't do that, you have to leave."
The man was subsequently arrested. Specific charges against him, as well as his court date, have not been released.
"Officers had to patiently persuade the man to leave, while also engaging in dialogue about his view on whether money is real," the Irvine Police Department announced on Facebook. "The reality is that after exhausting all explanatory measures without success, disobeying a police order will lead to very real consequences."
The incident occurs amidst rising gasoline prices in the US, which have reached multi-year highs after the Iran conflict escalated. This led to the near-blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, considered the world's oil lifeline, disrupting the global oil market.
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Police handcuff the man who demanded free gasoline in Irvine, Orange County, California. Photo: Instagram/Irvinepolice
The national average gasoline price in the US is currently about 4,14 USD per gallon (approximately 3,78 liters), an increase of nearly 1 USD since early March. In some major cities in California, such as Los Angeles, gasoline prices have approached 7 USD per gallon.
Many consumers feel they have no choice but to cut other expenses to afford the increased cost of gasoline, especially those who regularly commute. "Before, I only had to pay about 20-25 USD to fill up, now it's up to 40 USD, it's crazy," said Alcala, a New York resident.
US President Donald Trump announced on the evening of 7/4 that the US and Iran had agreed to a two-week ceasefire, during which Tehran would allow vessels to pass through Hormuz with "coordination from armed forces." Following Trump's announcement, crude oil prices in the US saw a nearly 19% drop at one point during trading on 8/4.
However, Iran is suspending permission for vessels to pass through Hormuz and threatening to withdraw from the ceasefire agreement due to continued Israeli attacks in Lebanon.
Duc Trung (According to NY Post, FOX News, AP)
