Police Referee Gas Spats

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The search for gas in the Nashville area didn't get much better Monday.

Some estimates have more than half the city's gas stations running on empty.

The shortage isn't just causing problems for drivers.

While the lines weren't as long on Monday and more stations had gas. But, new numbers from police showed the toll shortage has taken.

"This is ridiculous, very ridiculous," said India Malone.

And the frustration level for some drivers is going through the roofs of their cars.

"Oh it's on high," she said. "I am very upset I've been sitting in this line waiting for gas. And today, I couldn't drive to school, had to catch a ride and wait for someone to pick me up. This is ridiculous."

Nashville drivers haven't cleared that gas roadblock yet, but they are inching around it - slowly but surely.

Although the pain at the pump has eased up a little bit, all the chaos has kept police busy the last couple of days.

On Friday, police responded to 34 "gas rage" calls; 27 more calls in Saturday and two on Sunday.

"These calls are being classified as disorderly persons calls. Police officers are not responding with lights and sirens and by the time they get there, by and large, things have worked themselves out," said Metro police spokesman Don Aaron.

Half of the stations were out gas Monday compared to 85 percent on Friday.

It could be the end of the week before supplies can once again meet the demand. Atlanta and Tallahassee, Fla. also have gas shortages, but AAA said Nashville is in worse shape. The average price for a gallon of regular gas in Nashville Monday was $4.08; in Knoxville, it was $3.53.