Long Lines for Free Gas Giveaway

(Memphis) Hundreds lined up for gas along Poplar Avenue in the east bound lanes Wednesday morning, in hopes of getting free gas.

The event was sponsored by Hope Credit Union and Sycamore Bank as part of a nationwide “Take Back Your Banking” campaign.

They were also giving out gas at 20 other locations around the country.

The first 200 cars in line were given $20 of free gas.

The first person in line, 64-year-old Kandy Old, arrived at 9 Tuesday night for the gas giveaway that started at 9 Wednesday morning, “I’m on disability and so I needed some gas, so I decided to camp out.”

For many, the giveaway caused problems.

The line of cars blocked a lane of east bound traffic on Poplar, for more than a mile, all the way back to Goodlett.

Several cars ran out of gas while waiting.

Others were accused of trying to cut in line.

Capucine Stevens was arrested when she asked her to move her car, “I got out to ask the gentleman behind me to move back a little bit, so I could back up so I didn’t loose my place in line. [The officer] said I was arguing with him, so he handcuffed me and put me in the back of the car.”

Stevens was released and given a misdemeanor citation for disorderly conduct.

The gas give away lasted until 11 Wednesday morning.