Police in Florida said a former gas station employee poured gas on himself and his car at the facility but was unable to obtain a lighter to ignite the fuel.

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The High Springs Police Department said Kalpeshkumar Patel, 40, of High Springs arrived at the High Springs Chevron gas station and convenience store about 9:20 p.m. Monday and used a gas pump to dump gasoline on himself and his car, The Gainesville (Fla.) Sun reported Wednesday.

Police said Patel asked customers for a lighter to ignite himself and the vehicle, but no one would help him.

The gas station's owner told police Patel had made several threatening phone calls and left a message saying he would burn his car to destroy the store.

Patel was charged with aggravated assault and attempted arson of a structure. He taken to the Alachua County jail without bond.