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Audi driver in OC demands free gas, claims money 'isn't real' during standoff
Irvine police officers got into a bizarre negotiation with a man who refused to pay for gas, claiming currency is not a real unit of payment.
IRVINE, Calif. - A routine call for service in Irvine took a bizarre turn when a man attempted to obtain free gas based on a philosophical rejection of currency.
What we know:
According to the Irvine Police Department, the individual entered the gas station and demanded exactly $55 in fuel without providing payment.
When his request was denied, he occupied a space at the gas pump and refused to leave.
Officers arrived to find the man waiting for the fuel to be authorized.
The responding officers used negotiation tactics to address the suspect’s claim that money is an imaginary construct, eventually warning him that his refusal to follow a lawful order would lead to physical arrest.
What they're saying:
Police called the event a "bold move with these gas prices."
The suspect was captured on video stating, "I sincerely believe that money as a unit of payment is not real."
"OK, you can believe that dude but this is reality," an officer at the scene responded.
"If you want gas, you go pay for gas with cash or debit card. If you’re not going to do that, then you get out of here."
What's next:
Police said the suspect faced "very real" consequences for disobeying lawful orders, though the department has not released the specific details of his booking or upcoming court dates.
The Source: This report is based on information from the Irvine Police Department.