Watch CBS News

Gas Station Attendant, 51, Critical After Dispute With Customer

VAN NUYS (CBS) — Police Saturday asked for the public's help in locating a motorist involved in a dispute that critically injured a 51-year-old gas station attendant.

The incident began with a verbal exchange at the cashier window of an Arco station located in the 15700 block of Victory Boulevard at about 11 p.m. on Friday, Officer Gregory Baek of the Los Angeles Police Department said.

"The gas station attendant, 51-year-old Jorge Grimaldi of Panorama City, stood in front of the customer's car and attempted to stop the customer from leaving," Baek said.

The driver allegedly steered the car through residential streets for about a half-mile with Grimaldi hanging on to the hood of the vehicle before he fell off, Baek said. The driver fled the scene.

Grimaldi suffered serious injuries and was taken to a hospital, where he is currently in critical condition, Baek said.

Police urged anyone with information to contact Valley Traffic Division officers at (818) 644-8032 or 1-877-LAPD-24-7.

(©2011 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services contributed to this report.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.