Driver in Mindanao Ave. 'gas-and-run' incident surrenders

A driver accused in a “gas-and-run” incident at a gasoline station in Quezon City has surrendered to authorities, saying he "panicked" as he was rushing home because his child was suffering from asthma.

According to the exclusive report of GMA News’ James Agustin on Unang Balita Thursday, the 38-year-old driver turned himself in to the Quezon City Police District on Wednesday evening.

This was several days after CCTV footage showed him leaving a gasoline station in Barangay Bahay Toro without paying for around P1,500 worth of fuel.

According to the driver, he had no intention of fleeing and was just panicking after receiving a call about his child who was suffering from asthma.

“Natatakot po kasi hindi ko naman po talaga intensyon na tumakbo. Natataranta po ako kasi inaaway po ako ng wife ko, nagko-call nga po sa akin dahil po yung anak ko may hika po kaya medyo tuliro po ako,” the driver told GMA News.

(I was scared because I didn’t really intend to run. I was panicking because my wife was fighting with me, she was calling me because my child has asthma, so I was quite rattled.)

“Kaya hindi ko na rin po naisip kung na-scan ba yun or hindi na-scan. Dire-diretso po ako, nagmamadali po ako," he added.

(That’s why I didn’t even think about whether it was scanned or not. I left immediately, I was in a hurry.)

He reportedly traveled from Nueva Ecija to Quezon City after his mother and wife encouraged him to cooperate with authorities.

The driver initially coordinated with the Holy Spirit Police Station before he was brought to the Project 6 Police Station, which has jurisdiction over the incident.

'Sorry'

At the police station, the driver faced the 20-year-old pump attendant involved in the incident and apologized.

“Gusto ko pong humingi ng tawad sa kanya. Para lang po sa mga anak ko kasi naghahanap-buhay po ako. May sakit po talaga yung kambal kong anak na hika,” the driver said.

(I want to apologize to him. It's just for my children because I am making a living. One of my twin children is really sick with asthma.)

“Willing naman po ako magbayad kung yung danyos na nagawa ko sa kanya,” he added.

(I am willing to pay for damages.)

However, the pump attendant said he will still pursue an estafa complaint against the driver.

“Itutuloy ko po yung demanda sa kanya kasi nga po, nagtatrabaho lang po ako nang maayos tapos ganun pa yung mangyayari. Gusto ko lang po na lumaban po kayo ng patas kasi ako nga po nagtatrabaho ako ng maayos, galing pa ako ng probinsya,” the pump attendant told GMA News.

(I will continue with the charges against him because I am just working and then this happens. I just want him to fight fairly because I work fairly, I'm from the province.)

The incident captured in CCTV footage occurred early Sunday morning along Mindanao Avenue in Barangay Bahay Toro.

Police said they identified the driver through the vehicle’s plate number captured on CCTV footage. Authorities coordinated with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to obtain records linked to the vehicle registration.

Police officers went to the driver’s listed address in Nueva Ecija but did not find him there. Authorities later contacted him by phone, during which he reportedly expressed willingness to surrender.

The vehicle involved in the incident has been impounded while under alarm status, police said.

Meanwhile, the gasoline station management decided not to deduct the unpaid P1,500 from the salary of the pump attendant. Police personnel also provided contributions for the gas station worker.

The pump attendant thanked the police officers and the gasoline station management for the assistance extended to him. —Joviland Rita/ VAL, GMA News