A Molotov cocktail was thrown in an attempted robbery at a Centretown gas station early Tuesday morning, according to the Ottawa Police Service.
A man allegedly entered the Esso at Bank Street and Gladstone Avenue at 12:05 a.m. with the device.
A customer in the store quickly wrestled the accused from the store and the scuffle continued outside, according to police. The Molotov cocktail was thrown to the ground but did not ignite.
Sgt. David Christie said Molotov cocktails are not common in Ottawa robberies.
"It's sort of unusual, to try to use one as a weapon or form of intimidation," he said.
Molotov cocktails usually create a fire in the area where the liquid accelerant spreads, though no fire started at the gas station.
"It leads me to believe perhaps there wasn't enough fuel or the wick wasn't properly placed inside," said Christie. "But certainly you don't want to have a fire in the area of a gas station as it could present extra hazards."
Guillaume Bergeron , 19, has been charged with one count of arson disregard life and one count of possession of incendiary material. He will appear in court Wednesday.