Medhat Salameh is in trouble. During the gas shortage, people working at his gas station took it upon themselves to adjust the price of fuel accordingly. His gas station raised prices as much as 46%, netting over $4200. Salameh flagrantly flew in the face of government, failing to consult his legislators on the latest mood in their powers to deem, and responded to the market.

Worse, consumers defiantly purchased the overpriced goods without consulting their attorneys.

Asheville resident Don George fueled his Volvo at M&J Wednesday evening. George said he buys gas there about three times a month and remembers filling up during the gas crunch.

“It was high, but I also thought if you don’t get it when you can, you’re going to be stuck without it,” George said. “So I got gas in spite of the price because they had gas and other places didn’t.”

George said he thinks M&J’s prices are comparable to other area stations.

“If I only have to come this far to get it and not drive any further, then it’s kind of a trade-off, and I’m willing to make that trade-off,” he said.

Salameh now has to pay reparations to George and the other victims of what evidently constituted an unnecessary use of force. A civil fine of $5000 has also been assessed.