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Police say convenience store clerk died trying to stop gas drive-off

Run over and killed, for a tank of gas. That's what police say happened at a Valley gas station. Police say Fort Payne Texaco owner, Husain Caddi was dragged and then run over Friday when he tried to stop a man from driving off without paying. 54-year-old Caddi died shorty after arriving at the hospital.

People living in Fort Payne can't believe what happened. Saturday, the Texaco station is eerily quiet, the gas hoses untouched.

Angel Stephens is shocked about what happened, "I just couldn't believe somebody would really do something like that."

"I could not believe it. I was trying to think maybe the person didn't realize it. And I was trying to think maybe the person did not realize what had happened. You try to think that a person would not do that purposely," says Christy Evans.

Would not run a man over and kill him. But photos capture Friday's scene and police say that's what happened. A driver killed station owner Husain Caddi when the man locals call "Tony" tried to stop that driver from getting away with $52.05 of gas.

"Shocked that something like this would happen over a tank of fuel," says Tim Monroe.

"52 dollars worth of gas, I mean, they were just trying to get off free," Stephens says.

$2.55 a gallon. That's what it would have cost. Instead, it cost a life.

"He was just a really nice person. He always had a smile."

"I just really hope they find whoever did this. They should pay for what's been done."

Police say the driver believed to be in his 20s-or-30s was behind the wheel of a late model mid-sized SUV, perhaps a Ford Explorer or Jeep Liberty, gold, brown or tan in color.

Fort Payne police are asking anyone with any information to call them at 256-845-1414.