Surrey RCMP are searching for the driver of a mini-van after a gas station attendant was injured while chasing a man who drove away after not paying for his gas on Monday night.

The attendant left his booth at the Petro-Canada station at 80th Ave. and 120th St., and chased after the driver brandishing a golf club.

Police say they're looking for a mini-van similar to this Dodge Chrysler. (RCMP photo)
Police say they're looking for a mini-van similar to this Dodge Chrysler. (RCMP photo)

The van driver, who was already on the street getting away, veered back into the lot and hit the attendant. The young man is now at home recovering from minor injuries.

Petro-Canada spokesperson John Hamilton said the company has instructed attendants not to run after thieves. "We have policies in place that are geared towards just turning matters over to police."



The Petro-Canada station in Surrey where
the attendant was injured. (CBC)
He said some Petro-Canada stations have a pre-pay policy for late-night customers. But he noted this particular gas station doesn't force customers to pre-pay before filling up.

He added that even at stations that have the pre-pay procedure, it doesn't kick in until after 9 p.m. That's the time Monday night's incident happened.

Last year, a gas station attendant in Maple Ridge was dragged to his death after trying to stop a car that took off without paying.

The B.C. government is considering legislation that would ensure that all service stations follow the same late-night procedures. In the meantime, Hamilton said Petro-Canada will look at tightening its own procedures to improve safety.