‘Money Isn’t Real,’ Driver Tells Calif. Police While Demanding Free Gas

California police arrested an obstinate driver who demanded free gas and refused to leave a station's pump.

The unusual incident happened last week when Irvine police responded to a call concerning a man who demanded $55 in gas but refused to pay for it, the department stated in a social media post that included body camera footage. After his wishes were ignored, the driver sat in his car at a pump and wouldn't leave.

"Bold move with these gas prices," the department stated.

When officers arrived at the scene, the man gave an interesting reason for his free gas request. 

"I sincerely believe that money as a unit of payment is not real," he said.

Officers then "deployed their expert patience and negotiation skills" to get the man to leave peacefully. But that approach didn't sway the stubborn driver.

Finally, officers removed the man from his car and placed him in handcuffs. 

"A career in law enforcement is anything but ordinary," the department stated.

"The reality is that once we exhaust all our options, disobeying a lawful order will result in very real consequences," the agency added.