AUSTIN — A man has been arrested after police said he attempted to catch an Austin gas station on fire and threatened to kill a customer with a knife while he was high on meth.
Police said the call came in around 9:11 a.m. on Saturday in regards to a fire that occurred at the Star Stop gas station at 3404 S. US 183 Highway southbound. Fire crews determined there was no fire or fuel leaking upon arrival, but did discover an area where it appeared someone had intentionally tried to start a fire at the entrance of the gas station. The suspect, 36-year-old Sean Randall Hunter, was found on scene and immediately detained.
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Court documents state that fire investigators found a large metal cage with approximately 25 five-gallon propane tanks knocked over. It appeared someone had cut through the gauge lock and caused approximately $1,000 in damage.
Police said the gas nozzle to the pump facing the store was found hanging down to the ground, and liquid had been poured on the ground near the entrance of the store. A green plastic container was also found sitting in the liquid next to a propane tank, along with a bundle of wood the store was selling.
The store's clerk reported he saw the suspect drive up to the pump in a red Jeep Cherokee. Hunter reportedly went to fill up his tank when he then came into the store with a knife asking for gas but saying he had no money. The suspect allegedly said he "had already fired one on Riverside," and exited the store.
Hunter reportedly came back inside the store with the knife stating "I will kill you" to a customer. That customer left the scene before police arrived.
Reports state Hunter then brought a propane tank and a bundle of wood up to the entrance of the store. The clerk said he saw Hunter try to light the area near the propane tank on fire with a lighter. He was then seen getting back into his Jeep when police arrived. He allegedly sped backward out of the parking lot into traffic on 183, later getting stuck in the muddy median, where he was detained.
Police said a lighter and bolt cutters were found in the Jeep. Officials were also provided video evidence of the incident from gas station staff.
Upon interviewing Hunter, police said he could not focus and only gave his first name and wrong date of birth. He reportedly stated he had been partying and was on meth. He said he remembered falling asleep in his Jeep at a stop sign and the next thing he knew he was waking up in the median with an APD unit in front of his car. He stated he remembered nothing else.
Hunter was charged with attempted arson, a third-degree felony. Travis County records indicate Hunter is also facing four charges of deadly conduct. Each charge is listed with a $75,000 bond.