Police said Uriel Hernandez, 31, came back with gas cans and a lighter after becoming upset over having to pay for his order.
HOUSTON — A food truck in north Houston nearly went up in flames with people inside after a man doused it in gasoline, according to Houston police.
31-year-old Uriel Hernandez is facing two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. His weapon of choice was a gas can and a lighter.
“The allegation is the defendant was attempting to burn down the food truck,” said the prosecutor during Hernandez’s first court appearance.
Hernandez appeared before a judge over the weekend. On Saturday, investigators said he showed up at this food truck to order a cup of corn. When they asked him for payment, he didn’t like it.
“He threatened he would return and do something,” said the prosecutor.
He allegedly made good on that threat. Two hours later, he came back and began pouring gasoline inside and outside the food truck while employees were inside.
“A witness intervened when the defendant pulled out a lighter and attempted to light the gasoline,” prosecutors said.
The food truck owner didn’t want to talk on camera but did say the suspect failed thanks to a witness’ quick thinking.
Hernandez got in his car and drove off before getting into an accident down the road.
“Prior to being transported he was combating and spitting,” said prosecutors. “He allegedly spat blood on an HFD firefighter and it did hit that firefighter.”
He’s now also facing charges of harassing a public servant.
Court records show Hernandez has a violent criminal history. Two years ago, he was charged with assault after choking his own mother. He remains in jail, held on a combined $130,000 bond.