Driver cited after damaging gas pump nozzle, hitting parked car in separate incidents at Saline gas station

Multiple witnesses told police the truck pulled into a spot next to an unoccupied vehicle and hit it. The driver then backed out and drove away, according to reports. 

The parked Chevy Tahoe, owned by the gas station clerk, had visible damage that was later estimated at $5,000. Station security cameras captured video of the crash, and the officer recognized the vehicle from an unusual property damage complaint at the same location a few weeks earlier. Reports show the station’s clerk called police on Jan. 31 after a customer drove off with the gas pump nozzle still attached to his gas tank, reports said.

The nozzle tore away from the station, and the vehicle drove off. The driver pre-paid for the gas. Officers identified the vehicle’s owner, went to the family's home and spoke to their 18-year-old son, Alex Stowe, who was the driver. He told police he forgot about the nozzle until he realized he drove away with it, and went home without stopping because he didn’t know what else to do, reports said.

Officers took down his insurance information and forwarded it to the station owners, who estimated damage at $500.

At the officer’s request Monday, Stow came to the police station and gave a statement regarding the crash. He said it was an accident, and he intended to leave his name and phone number, but did not because he feared the reaction from his parents.

There was minor damage to his truck, reports said. The officer cited him for careless driving and failing to identify himself at the scene of a crash.

Art Aisner is a freelance writer for AnnArbor.com. Reach the news desk at news@annarbor.com or 734-623-2530.