An alert service station attendant has likely averted disaster after a man allegedly threatened to set petrol alight in Geelong West Wednesday night.
Police arrived at the Woolworths outlet on Shannon Avenue at about 11pm to find the 36-year-old trying to pour fuel from a bowser, while holding a cigarette lighter, a spokesperson said.
The attendant switched off the bowser remotely after realising what was happening.
Police used capsicum spray to subdue the man before placing him under arrest.
Officers took the man to Geelong Police Station, where they charged him with offences including resisting arrest, assaulting police and being drunk in a public place.
Police expected to lay charges and the man, of no fixed address, was been bailed to face court at a later date.