2 other people had water in gas tank after fueling at Sterling 7-Eleven, complaint reveals

STERLING, Va. (7News) — Just days after 7News first reported a man had water instead of gas in his car's fuel system after filling up at a Sterling 7-Eleven, two more people provide documentation revealing almost identical issues after fueling at the same gas station while the state agency that regulates all gas pumps in the state confirms they have received a complaint on this very issue.

Earlier this week, 7News spoke with a man whose car broke down less than a mile after pumping mid-grade gas at the 7-Eleven on Davenport Drive in Sterling. He provided documents from his mechanic stating, "Technician found EXCESSIVE amounts of water in the fuel tank." This required mechanics to drain the water and replace some parts, costing him almost $1,500.

That man pumped gas at this 7-Eleven on Monday, Oct. 3.

That same day, Akira Bradley filled up at the same location, only to find herself having to pull over to the side of the road moments later.

"The second I pulled onto 28 South, I felt my car knocking. It was something I never felt before. The scariest part was when I was pressing on the gas, it wasn't reacting to me whatsoever," Bradley said. "All of these different lights and alarms were flashing. Very scary situation. Luckily, my uncle works for Hyundai. He's an engineer, so I called him, 'What do I do?' And he's like, 'I've never seen all of those lights on at the same time."

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The night before, Joseph Garrett thought a top-off at this Sterling gas station would be more than enough to get home to West Virginia. His car stalled soon after.

"The car shut off. I was doing 55 miles an hour, just shut off. Everything shut off but the lights. I coasted to a stop," Garrett said.

Both Bradley and Garrett had to get their cars towed to the mechanic. Both were told their cars had similar problems.

"It was such a heavy portion of water in my system that the fuel pump was completely burned out," Bradley said.

"They said there was 60 percent water in the gas tank," Garrett said. "You pay such a high amount for gas, first of all, you expect to be able to get home with that gas. You don't expect it to cost problems like this."

All three people who have come forward to 7News said they used the station's mid-grade gas moments before experiencing vehicle failures and having mechanics tell them they had water in their gas tanks. Almost two weeks later, the station's mid-grade pumps are still covered with bags saying, "Out of Order."

7-Eleven confirmed they have received reports of tainted gas at this location, providing the following statement:

We received reports of tainted gas at 20955 Davenport Dr. in Sterling, VA and are currently investigating this matter further. Customers who believe their car was impacted may call 1-800-255-0711.

Since then, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, or VDACS, which regulates the gas pumps in the state, confirmed to 7News they have received a complaint with this location.

"I can confirm that we have received a complaint regarding this issue. It is VDACS' policy to not comment on active investigations," said VDACS Director of Communications Michael Wallace.

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Repairs for Garrett's car have cost him almost $1,400 dollars. Bradley has not gotten a bill yet, but she said mechanics have told her to expect a similar price tag.

Bradley's dealership has allowed her to borrow a car while they wait for the necessary parts to be shipped in.

Garrett, meanwhile, has not been as lucky, which could not have come at a worse time.

"My daughter has some health issues. We have a lot of doctors' appointments to attend, and it's just real concerning not to have a vehicle," Garrett said, holding back tears.

7News has repeatedly emailed 7-Eleven's corporate office to ask if they have any updates to their investigation and if they have learned what caused their mid-grade gas to get possibly tainted. They have not responded since confirming they have received reports.

A store employee would not comment nor provide the name or phone number of the franchise's owner.

Even though 7-Eleven has provided a hotline to call if your car has been affected by their gas at this location, all three people who have reached out to 7News said they have experienced similarly slow responses from the gas and convenience store chain.

"I would love for them to respond and compensate me for everything I've had to pay for so far," Bradley said. "I feel like I've been on the phone, I've listened to a lot of hold music."

Added Garrett: "I'm not getting any feedback from 7-Eleven. I'm not getting any feedback from the insurance. What do you do?"

7-Eleven is telling anybody experiencing issues related to the reports of tainted gas to call 1-800-255-0711.