By New York Post (U.S.) | Created at 2025-01-06 20:20:43 | Updated at 2025-01-08 02:56:47
1 day ago
A social media influencer’s free gas gimmick caused a gridlock traffic nightmare in Phoenix, forcing police to shut it down.
Juan Gonzalez, who boasts over 1.3 million followers on Instagram under the handle @thatwasepic, posted on Sunday that he had put $10,000 in credit on the pumps at the ARCO gas station 16th Street and Thomas Road.
“First come first serve. No gas cans allowed. When you’re done filling up leave the pump on the ground for the next person so it doesn’t reset,” he wrote.
He then posted a video showing him handing over a $10,000 wad of cash to the cheery attendant.
Hundreds of cars quickly flocked to the gas station to fill up, clogging the busy intersection. The traffic jam was so bad it prompted the Phoenix Police Department to warn drivers on X to avoid the area.
Videos posted to Gonzalez’s Instagram story show the gas station completely filled with cars at every pump while scores of other cars waited in line along the roadways for their chance to get in. Other videos show cops trying to direct the heavy traffic.
Gonzalez was then forced to shut it down, telling his followers it got too dangerous.
“Alright guys so we are getting shut down. There’s tons of cops here because there’s massive, massive traffic jams,” he said in a video. “So if you’re on your way just turn away. We’re not accepting any more people.
“We did help out as many people as we could before they got here but it’s getting too dangerous. All the streets in the area are backed up and they’re telling me ambulances can’t get through,” he added.
Phoenix Police told 12News they “worked with the event coordinator” to clear the roadway.
Gonzalez, meanwhile, also posted videos of several of his happy fans who filled their tanks.
“What a blessing! Thank you so much for doing this for the community!” one woman said, posing for a picture with the influencer.
