Driver in QC 'gas-and-run' incident surrenders to police
The suspect in the viral “gas-and-run” incident in Balintawak, Quezon City has voluntarily surrendered and is now in police custody, authorities confirmed on Monday night, March 30.
The Quezon City Police District (QCPD) identified the suspect as alias “Jefferson,” 27.
The suspect voluntary surrendered at La Loma Police Station 1 at around 8:00 p.m. on March 30, accompanied by his family.
The incident occurred on March 22 at a gasoline station in Barangay Apolonio Samson, where the suspect allegedly fled without paying for fuel worth P5,196.
Following the surrender, the wife of the gasoline station staff went to the police station to personally confront the suspect.
According to the QCPD, the surrender came after sustained efforts by its Special Investigation Team (SIT), which conducted an extensive probe that included forward and backward tracking of closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage and coordination with concerned agencies.
Earlier, authorities described the suspect as a male standing between 5’2” and 5’5”, wearing a black shirt, black pants, and slippers.
CCTV footage showed the vehicle making two stops after leaving the gas station, during which the driver was seen allegedly manipulating the license plate and briefly stepping out to smoke.
The vehicle was later traced to Crispulo Street in Caloocan City.
The QCPD also coordinated with the Land Transportation Office and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority to identify the vehicle, a Toyota Innova, and its registered owner.
However, the registered owner claimed the vehicle had already been transferred through “pasalo,” an informal arrangement without proper documentation.
Investigation further revealed that after learning the incident had gone viral, the suspect stopped traveling and avoided social media.
He reportedly stayed at his residence in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, where the vehicle involved in the incident was also kept.
He also claimed he was unaware that authorities had already been searching for him.
The QCPD said it will proceed with the filing of the appropriate estafa case through regular filing before the Office of the Prosecutor.
Authorities assured the public of their commitment to uphold due process and ensure that justice is served.