NORTH MIAMI, Fla. – An Opa-locka man was arrested Monday after police said he doused his girlfriend in gasoline and attempted to run her over near a North Miami gas station last month.
According to North Miami police, Khristion Amari Owens, 25, is facing charges that include attempted murder with a deadly weapon, false imprisonment, grand theft of a vehicle, battery and criminal mischief.
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After getting into an argument with his girlfriend while pumping gas into her mother’s vehicle at a Marathon gas station, located at 13490 Memorial Highway, police said Owens grabbed a nozzle and began pouring gasoline “all over the body” of the victim on May 6.
In fear for her life, police said the victim ran into the gas station but was followed by Owens.
While inside the gas station, investigators said Owens “began striking her on her face and body with open and closed hands.”
Police said Owens pulled the victim out of the store by her hair.
After exiting the store, investigators said Owens “forcefully pushed her into the vehicle against her will and activated the child lock to prevent her from exiting the car and drove away in the victim’s vehicle.”
“While driving erratically throughout the local neighborhood,” police said Owens continued punching the victim, who was eventually able to escape the vehicle and ran towards a nearby home screaming for help.
Police said surveillance video captured the victim screaming, “Call the police!” as she approached the front door of someone who lived in the area.
Owens, who was still in possession of the vehicle, drove towards his girlfriend “at a high rate of speed in an attempt to run her over,” according to the report.
Police said the victim was able to go up onto the front porch of the house but was still struck on her leg by the vehicle Owens was driving.
The vehicle also collided with the residence causing about $5,000 in damages to the property, the report stated.
Detectives said the victim swallowed gasoline, making her feel ill. She also sustained a cut on her right ear and an injury to her right leg after being struck by the vehicle Owens was driving.
Authorities did not disclose what led to the argument between Owens and the victim.
Police confirmed Owens had an active bench warrant out for his arrest following a separate domestic battery incident.
As of Tuesday, Owens remains at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center, where his bond has not been set at this time.