Eye on the Tropics

Gas station worker slammed into vehicle during confrontation in Ocala, police say

OCALA, Fla. — A violent confrontation broke out at an Ocala gas station after a man cut in line to get gas, Ocala police said.

Rashad V. Johnson went to the Diamond Oil on NE 16th Avenue in Ocala where others had formed a line to get gas following Hurricane Irma.

Witnesses told police that an employee at the station told Johnson and his passenger to either leave or move to the back of the line.

Johnson ignored the request and began pumping gas, police said. The employee grabbed the gas handle from the vehicle and inadvertently spilled fuel on Johnson, police said. Johnson then grabbed the employee, lifted him 6 inches off the ground and slammed him against the vehicle where he then fell to the ground, police said.

Johnson said the employee intentionally spilled the fuel, but witnesses said that wasn’t the case.

Johnson faces charges of battery on a person over 65 years old.