Friday, August 22, 2003


A man angry that fuel from an over-filled gas tank spilled onto his shoes is being sought by police for allegedly trying to blow up a northwest service station.

Police are still looking for the unidentified suspect who drove from the station with one of his tires ablaze.

The ignited puddle of gas, which had seeped into the man's wheelwell, burned out before firefighters arrived, but police say the potential for a major disaster was there.

"There were lots of people around who could have been hurt," said Const. Nadine Wagner.

"(The fire) was right up beside the pump and there was a vehicle filling up on the other side."

The June 25 incident unfolded during rush hour, when a man and woman drove up to the Petro-Canada pumps at 117 Country Hills Blvd. N.W.

The driver was handling the pump when gas spilled over from the tank and onto the ground.

The fuel splashed his shoes and pants, infuriating the man, who stormed into the gas station and demanded that the clothing be replaced.

"He came (into the store) very belligerent and swearing at everyone in the store," said Wagner.

When the clerk refused, the man "threatened to blow the place up."

As the couple returned to the vehicle, the man bent down and pulled out a lighter, igniting the puddle of gas.

The clerk immediately turned off the pumps and calling the fire department.

"Thank God nothing exploded," said Wagner.

The wanted couple has since eluded police.

"We're still trying to track these people down," said Wagner.

Investigators have compiled a photo lineup for witnesses and are hoping to narrow their search for the would-be arsonist.