Gas-and-dash death shines spotlight on vulnerable workers

The death of a Toronto gas station attendant who died trying to stop a man from driving away without paying for fuel has cast a spotlight on working conditions for vulnerable workers, even prompting an Ontario MPP to propose a new law to protect them.

Jayesh Prajapati, 44, died last Saturday night at the midtown Toronto Shell gas station where he worked after he was struck and dragged by an SUV driver who had filled up with $112 worth of gas and fled without paying.

Prajapati, an immigrant from India who was married with a child, died at the scene. Police have issued a warrant for Max Edwin Tutiven, 39, who is a suspect in the case.

Prajapati's wife and brother-in-law have alleged that Prajapati was expected to pay out of his wages for motorists who drove off without paying for gas.