A long line at an Ocala gas station post-Irma erupted in a fight Wednesday between a customer and an employee.
Ocala Police Department received numerous 911 calls in reference to a fight that occurred at the gas pumps of Diamond Oil located at NE 16th Ave., according to a media release. Witnesses said that 25-year-old Rashad V. Johnson arrived at the gas pumps with a female driver who had cut into the post-hurricane waiting line that was being organized by the victim, a Diamond Oil employee. The employee approached Johnson and the woman, instructing them to either leave or move to the back of the line. Johnson ignored the employee and began pumping gas while the woman went inside. Johnson continued to ignore the employee’s orders to put down the handle, so the employee removed the gas handle from the vehicle, inadvertently spilling fuel on Johnson. At that time, Johnson grabbed the employee and lifted him approximately six inches to one foot off the ground, according to witnesses. Johnson forcefully slammed him against the vehicle, causing the employee to fall to the ground. Johnson claimed the victim sprayed gasoline on him on purpose, but all witnesses advised that it was not intentional.
An Ocala police officer arrested Rashad V. Johnson on a charge of battery on a person over 65 and transported him to the Marion County Jail.
