A South Florida man didn't want to pay to get his car back from a Gainesville tow lot, so he decided to take matters into his own hands.

Thomas Johnston, 39, broke into the Ultimate Towing company gated lot shortly after 1 a.m. Sunday and attempted to drive off with his car.

But, Gainesville Police say Johnston didn't get very far. Police say he tried to open the electric gate by forcing the cover off the control box and severing the wires, resulting in approximately $2,500 of damage.

Johnston was charged with failure to redeliver a hired vehicle and criminal mischief. He is currently being held in the Alachua County jail.